Genetically-associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment

ABSTRACT

A method for treating a genetically associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. At least one implant is advanced into an airway of a lung having a genetically associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The at least one implant is delivered into the lung to increase tension of the lung and thereby improve breathing function of the lung.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/895,979, filed on Oct. 25, 2013, which is incorporated by reference herein.

This application is also generally related to the following co-assigned references, each of which is incorporated by reference:

U.S. Pub. No. 2010/0305715, filed May 18, 2010, entitled Cross-Sectional Modification During Deployment of an Elongate Lung Volume Reduction Device;

U.S. Pat. No. 8,262,660, filed Jul. 2, 2008, entitled Minimally Invasive Lung Volume Reduction Devices, Methods, and Systems;

Int'l. Pub. No. WO2007106495, filed Mar. 13, 2007, entitled Minimally Invasive Lung Volume Reduction Devices, Methods, and Systems;

U.S. Pat. No. 8,157,837, filed Jun. 2, 2006, entitled Minimally Invasive Lung Volume Reduction Device and Method;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/743,471, filed on Mar. 13, 2006; entitled Minimally Invasive Lung Volume Reduction Device and Method;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/884,804, filed Jan. 12, 2007 entitled Minimally Invasive Lung Volume Reduction Devices, Methods and Systems;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/885,305, filed Jan. 17, 2007, entitled Minimally Invasive Lung Volume Reduction Devices, Methods and Systems;

U.S. Pat. No. 8,142,455 filed Sep. 12, 2008, entitled Delivery of Minimally Invasive Lung Volume Reduction Devices;

U.S. Pat. No. 8,157,823, filed Sep. 12, 2008, entitled Improved Lung Volume Reduction Devices, Methods and Systems;

U.S. Pub. No. 2010/0070050, filed Sep. 11, 2009, entitled Improved and/or Longer Lung Volume Reduction Devices, Methods, and Systems; and

U.S. Pub. No. 2010/0100196, filed Sep. 11, 2009, entitled Elongated Lung Volume Reduction Devices, Methods, and Systems.

All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

Devices, systems and methods are described for treating lungs. The exemplary devices, systems and methods may, for example, improve the quality of life and restore lung function for patients suffering from genetically caused emphysema. Embodiments of the systems may include an implant and a delivery catheter. The implant may be advanced through tortuous anatomy and actuated to retain a pre-determined shape and rigidity. Additionally, the implant may comprise a shape-memory material or spring material, which may be constrained to a first configuration during delivery through tortuous anatomy and then allowed to return to a second configuration during deployment. The deployed implant modifies the shape of the airways and compresses intact but diseased parenchyma to cause volume reduction and thereby tensions the lung parenchyma to restore elastic recoil. Systems and devices are also included that deploy and actuate the implantable devices, as well as systems and devices designed for recapture of the implanted device.

Emphysema is a destructive disease of the lung that primarily causes shortness of breath. In cases of non-genetic (i.e., lifestyle/environmentally induced) emphysema tissues that support the physical shape and function of the lungs are destroyed in emphysematous lungs, typically resulting in atelectasis. The destruction of lung tissue around the alveoli creates airspace enlargement as well as distortion and collapsibility of the small airways, which become unable to hold their functional shape during exhalation (National Institute of Health, 2006). There are multiple non-genetic causes of emphysema, with smoking being the most common.

A rare, genetic cause of emphysema is Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT, also called alpha-1 protease inhibitor or A1PI) is a protease inhibitor that inhibits a wide variety of proteases, including the human neutrophil elastase (HNE). Unopposed FINE activity in the lung causes degradation of elastin, an important component of the connective tissue matrix of the lung, resulting in emphysema. Emphysema in AATD can occur in the absence of cigarette smoking or other environmental exposures that are traditionally associated with elastin degradation. This type of emphysema not only differs in etiology but also differs in the location and extent of lung tissue damage. The lower lobes of the lung are predominantly affected by AATD, rather than the upper lobes, which are most commonly affected in the general emphysema population (Holme 2009).

AATD is a rare genetic disease, with estimates of overall prevalence ranging from 26,000 to 155,000 total affected individuals in the United States for example. AATD patients' symptoms, which include breathlessness, cough, phlegm, wheeze and fatigue, are often misdiagnosed as asthma. Since these individuals have symptoms that are indistinguishable from usual smoker's Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a correct diagnosis of the underlying genetic cause requires a blood test. The incidence of AATD emphysema in the United States is estimated to be between 620 and 3,636 cases per year. Unfortunately, the number of individuals diagnosed and known to have AATD in the United States is approximately 5-10% of the estimated prevalence of the genetic deficiency. Therefore, it is estimated that fewer than 400 cases of AATD emphysema are diagnosed each year.

Pharmacotherapy for COPD plus AATD-specific augmentation therapies comprise the standard of care for diagnosed AATD patients, with some benefit associated with symptom relief. However, there are no currently approved safe and effective treatments for restoration of lung function leading to improvement in pulmonary function and daily activity. Augmentation therapies, which increase the plasma levels of AAT through intravenous infusion of AAT purified from human plasma, have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for AATD-related emphysema. Some controversy remains about the clinical efficacy of augmentation therapy, however, because there have been no long term prospective, randomized studies of augmentation therapy versus placebo that target clinical outcomes in AATD emphysema. Furthermore, augmentation therapies remain expensive, with yearly costs approaching or in excess of $100,000 (2007 dollars, www.AllergyCases.org).

Highly-invasive lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is available for management of some types of emphysema, but has been shown not to be beneficial in patients whose emphysema is caused by AATD (Stoller, 2007). AATD-associated emphysema is typically in the lower lung fields and is panacinar (a diffuse subtype; Holme, 2009), and LVRS has been shown to be most effective in patients with upper-lobe predominant disease. Accordingly, LVRS is not an option for AATD patients.

Several minimally invasive investigational therapies exist and aim at improving quality of life and restoring lung function for patients suffering from emphysema. However, these therapies patients patients with non-genetic emphysema with atelectasis as the desired outcome. These potential therapies include mechanical devices and biological treatments. The Zephyr™ device by Emphasys (Redwood City Calif.) and the IBV™ device by Spiration (Redmond Wash.) are mechanical one-way valve devices. The underlying theory behind these devices is to achieve absorptive atelectasis by preventing air from entering diseased portion of the lung, while allowing air and mucous to pass through the device out of the diseased regions. The Watanabe spigot is another mechanical device that can seek to completely occlude the airway, thereby preventing air from entering and exiting the lung. Collateral ventilation (interlobar and intralobar—porous flow paths that prevent complete occlusion) may prevent atelectasis for such devices. The lack of atelectasis for lung volume reduction can drastically reduce the effectiveness of such devices. Other mechanical devices include means of deploying anchors into airways and physically deforming airways by drawing the anchors together via cables.

Biological treatments utilize tissue engineering aimed at causing scarring at specific locations. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to control the scarring and to prevent uncontrolled proliferation of scarring.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Many embodiments of the invention are related to an implant system that is suitable for use in the treatment of emphysema associated with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). The implant system incorporates implants, which can be coil-shaped, and a minimally invasive delivery system for placement in the lung. The implant system is intended to improve lung function in patients with AATD-associated emphysema by introducing the implant into the affected lung tissue, thereby compressing AATD affected/damaged tissue (lung volume reduction) and restoring elastic recoil to the remaining undamaged lung tissue via minimally invasive means. Such an implant system can provide emphysema patients with AATD-associated emphysema a safe and effective alternative to living a limited life, by helping to improve lung function leading to better breathing, better activity and better quality of life.

The implant system can be delivered via a standard bronchoscope and be designed specifically to treat patients suffering from emphysema. The implant system may be a two part system that includes 1) sterile, biocompatible, permanent implants and 2) a sterile, biocompatible, disposable, single-use (single-patient) delivery system. The delivery system includes a guidewire, catheter, cartridge, and forceps.

The implant can be a self-recovering coil composed of passivated nitinol, a biocompatible super-elastic material that has been used extensively for implantable medical devices. The self-recovering coil is delivered into the airway in a straight configuration and recovers to a non-straight, pre-determined shape upon deployment. The self-recovering coil is intended to compress the most damaged parenchyma and tension the surrounding tissue, which increases elastic recoil, reduces hyperinflation and redirects air to healthier portions of the lung for more effective ventilation. The self-recovering coil will effectively reduce the volume of damaged parenchyma, even in the presence of collateral ventilation. Generally, at least one implant is required, however, since this therapy targets local diseased regions of the lung, approximately 10 implants in a lung may be necessary to achieve adequate effect

The self-recovering coils are available in varying lengths to accommodate anticipated anatomical variations, ranging from 100 mm to 150 mm. The trailing proximal end of the self-recovering coil (most proximal 10 mm) has a smaller diameter than the rest of the C self-recovering coil oil to reduce rigidity, lessen pressure of the self-recovering coil on the airway wall, and facilitate recapture, if necessary. The distal and proximal ends of the self-recovering coil terminate with a smooth atraumatic ball. The self-recovering coil geometry termini may be designed to reside in airways with an approximate inner diameter of ˜2 mm (distally) and ˜6 mm (proximally).

The delivery system is used to safely deliver the self-recovering coils. The guidewire serves as a specialized large and flexible guide for the catheter, which enables the identification of suitable airways for treatment and supports the catheter to help guide it to a delivery site. The guidewire also facilitates the selection of the appropriate coil length. The catheter is a plastic tube passed over the guidewire and functions as a conduit to deliver the coil from outside the patient to the targeted treatment area. It also can be used to reposition or remove the coil. The cartridge is a plastic cylinder with a Luer lock tip that straightens the coil, couples to the catheter, and aids in the process of loading the coil into the catheter. The forceps couples to the proximal end of the coil and delivers it through the catheter, enabling the clinician to control the placement and release of the coil in the target airway.

Placement of the implant is designed to affect the AATD lung in the following manner: compress diseased tissue and restore tension to the lung to support functioning lung tissue during inhalation and exhalation; limit airflow to diseased tissue and prevent hyperinflation; shift preferential filling and compliance to normal tissue; and open airways to reduce air-flow limitations.

The implant can be removed by reversing the deployment procedure. The procedure is designed to be performed using a therapeutic bronchoscope with a 2.8 mm working channel (which accommodates the delivery system) and fluoroscopy for visualization beyond the viewing range of the bronchoscope.

The present invention generally provides improved medical devices, systems, and methods, particularly for treating one or both lungs of a patient having genetically related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Embodiments of the invention often make use of elongate implant structures which can be introduced into an airway system to a target airway axial region. The target axial region may or may not include branches, and the implants can be deployed within the airway by bending or allowing the implant to bend so that the implant compresses adjacent lung tissue. Many embodiments may apply lateral bending and/or compression forces against the lung tissue from within the airways for an extended period of time. Exemplary embodiments may be placed in the lung to increase gas filling resistance in the portion of the lung. Optionally, embodiments may be deployed within the lung to uncollapse previously collapsed airways or blood vessels. Embodiments may comprise a spring or shape memory material which is delivered within a catheter in a delivery configuration to the target airway and then released from the catheter to return to a deployed configuration within the airway. Exemplary embodiments may have a configuration which provides a more controlled transition from the delivery configuration to the deployed configuration during the release of the device from the catheter. In some embodiments, a proximal end of the device may be configured to facilitate recapture of the device after the device is deployed within the lung. This may be beneficial when the device is deployed in a less than ideal position or orientation or when the implant is no longer deemed necessary.

Many embodiments are related to a method for treating a genetically associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In the method, at least one implant is advanced into an airway of a lung a patient having alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The at least one implant then delivered into the lung to increase tension of the lung and thereby improve breathing function of the lung. In many embodiments the genetically associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease causes uniformly diseased alveolus within at least a portion of the lung.

Many embodiments are related to a method for treating a genetically associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, in which at least one implant is advanced into an airway of a lung having intact and uniformly diseased alveolus within at least a portion of the lung, such as one lower lobe of the lung. The intact and uniformly diseased alveolus is compressed using the at least one implant to cause improved breathing function of the lung. Advancement and delivery of the at least one implant can be performed so that the at least one implant locally compresses an associated at least one region of the uniformly diseased tissue.

In many embodiments the genetically associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease causes uniformly diseased alveolus distributed throughout a first lobe of the lung, which is a lower lobe of the lung, Advancing and the delivering of the at least one implant are performed so that the at least one implant locally compresses a region of a second lobe of the lung outside the uniformly diseased tissue, such as an upper or middle lobe of the lung.

In many embodiments it is determined that the patient has a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, wherein a plurality of alternative therapies are available for treatment of a plurality of alternative types of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease of the patient comprises alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is identified from among a plurality of alternative chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Treatment is selected using the at least one implant from among the plurality of alternative therapies in response to the determination that the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease of the patient comprises alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Many embodiments are related to a method for treating a genetically associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in which at least one implant is implanted into a lung having alveolar damage caused by alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency to increase tension of the lung and thereby improve breathing function of the lung. At least one augmentation therapy is provided to boost circulating alpha-1 antitrypsin plasma levels within the lung and thereby slow or halt progression of the alveolar damage to the lung.

Many embodiments are related to a system for treating a genetically associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The system includes a means for increasing tension of a lung having alveolar damage caused by alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and thereby improve breathing function of the lung. The system may also include a means for delivering the means for increasing tension within the lung. The system may also include a means for diagnosing the alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, wherein the means for diagnosing provides an indication suitable for prompting use of the at least one delivery catheter.

Many embodiments related to a system for treating a genetically associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The system includes at least one implant device configured to increase tension of a lung having alveolar damage caused by alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The system also includes at least one delivery catheter for delivering the at least one implant device to the lung.

Many embodiments related to a method for treating a genetically associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, in which at least one implant is advanced into an airway of a lung having intact and uniformly diseased alveolus within at least one lower lobe of the lung. However, the lung has non-diseased alveolus within upper lobes of the lung. The intact and uniformly diseased alveolus is compressed within at least one lower lobe of the lung using the at least one implant to cause improved breathing function of the lung.

In many embodiments, the resultant improved breathing function is associated with reduced air-trapping within the alveolus. The at least one implant may be a coil-shaped implant that folds at least one airway of the lung to increase tension. In many embodiments, a plurality of implants and/or a plurality of delivery catheters are used. A plurality of implants may also be used. The coil can have a distal end and a proximal end, and in a straight configuration ranges 100-150 mm from the distal end to the proximal end.

In many embodiments, a genetic diagnostic test sample delivery system is included for transmitting a genetic specimen from the patient to a genetic diagnostic system configured for diagnosing the alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and for providing an indication suitable for prompting use of the at least one delivery catheter.

The coil can be configured to have a relaxed configuration that decreases the straight configuration length from the distal end to the proximal end. The uniformly diseased alveolus can be caused by alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Compressing the uniformly diseased alveolus comprises positioning the at least one implant within the lung to increase tension at the at least one lobe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the attached documents that set forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrates the anatomy of the respiratory system;

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate a bronchoscope;

FIG. 3 illustrates a bronchoscope in combination with a delivery device for a lung volume reduction device according to the invention;

FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate a lung volume reduction device according to an aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate a lung volume reduction device according to another aspect of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a lung volume reduction device according to another aspect of the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a lung volume reduction device encased in a sheath;

FIGS. 8A-D illustrate a lung volume reduction device according to another aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate segments suitable for use in configuring a lung volume reduction device according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary device in a pre-deployed condition according to aspects of the invention;

FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate a lung volume reduction device according to another aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 12A-C illustrate a variety of device configurations with atraumatic tips;

FIGS. 13A-13F illustrate a plurality of individual wires formed of shape memory material that can be deployed to form a lung volume reduction device and a delivery device;

FIG. 14 illustrates a device configuration;

FIG. 15 illustrates a device in a loading cartridge;

FIG. 16 illustrates a long device configuration;

FIG. 17 illustrates a device configuration with a wire support frame;

FIG. 18 illustrates a device configuration with a covering;

FIG. 19 illustrates a device configuration with a perforated covering;

FIG. 20 illustrates a device configuration with an attached wire support frame;

FIG. 21 illustrates a device configuration with an attached frame and covering;

FIG. 22 illustrates a device configuration that is coupled to a second device;

FIG. 23 illustrates a device configuration in a coil shape;

FIGS. 24A-E illustrate a device with two helical sections and a transition section;

FIGS. 25A-D illustrate the device of FIGS. 24A-E further comprising a jacket;

FIGS. 26A-E illustrate another embodiment of the device with two helical sections and a transition section;

FIGS. 27A-D illustrate the device of FIGS. 26A-E further comprising a jacket;

FIG. 28 illustrates a device in a delivery configuration during delivery within an airway;

FIG. 29 illustrates the device of FIG. 28 deployed to the deployed configuration within the airway;

FIGS. 30 and 31 are images of human lung tissue before and after a portion of the lung tissue is compressed from within an airway by an embodiment of an implant;

FIGS. 32A-32C illustrate a device implanted within the lungs;

FIG. 33A illustrates a method steps for implanting the device;

FIG. 33B illustrates a method steps for implanting the device;

FIG. 34 illustrates a system in an airway with device ready to deliver;

FIG. 35 illustrates a system in an airway delivering the device;

FIG. 36 illustrates a system in an airway with the device delivered;

FIG. 37 illustrates a system with a bronchoscope, catheter, dilator, and guidewire;

FIGS. 38A-38B illustrate the delivery of the device;

FIG. 39 schematically illustrates selection from among a plurality of alternative devices with different lengths, and loading of a device into a cartridge so that the device can be advanced into a delivery catheter; and

FIGS. 40A-40C illustrate the delivery of a lung volume reduction device according to embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION I. Etiology and Description of AATD

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency was first reported in 1963 by Carl-Bertil Laurell and Sten Eriksson. They observed a link between low plasma serum levels of alpha-1-antitrypsin and symptoms of pulmonary emphysema.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a 52 kD protein belonging to the serpin family of protease inhibitors. Though AAT inhibits multiple targets, it is now known that a major target of inhibition is the human neutrophil elastase (HNE) (Sandhaus, 2004). HNE, in the absence of adequate inhibition by AAT, is free to break down elastin, which creates a loss of the elasticity in the lung tissue, resulting in respiratory complications such as emphysema.

The molecular structure of AAT includes 394 amino acids with 3 glycosylated side-chains. The AAT active site has a methionine molecule that is susceptible to conversion to methionine sulfoxide by oxidants from cigarette smoke, greatly reducing AAT's inhibitory activity on FINE. Thus, low serum levels of AAT can contribute to early onset of clinical symptoms (Russi 2008; ATSERS, 2003).

AATD results when there is a mutation in the gene that directs the body to make the AAT protein. This SERPINA1 gene is carried by both males and females and thus can be inherited from either parent. Genetic AATD is associated with inheritance of one or two alleles with reduced AAT expression or activity (Kumar, 2005). Thus, levels of circulating alpha 1-antitrypsin in the blood depend on genotype. The most common

AAT alleles are:

-   -   M—Normal (associated with normal amounts of AAT protein)     -   S (slightly deficient) and Z (strongly deficient)—Abnormal         (associated with deficient amounts of AAT protein)     -   Null—Abnormal (deficient; no AAT protein is detected)

It is the combination of genes that an individual receives from the parents that determines whether he or she is “normal,” is an AATD “carrier” due to inheritance of one abnormal allele, or is severely deficient in AAT due to inheritance of two abnormal alleles. It is important to understand that the disorder can be inherited either from a parent who has AATD or from parents who are carriers but do not themselves display symptoms of AATD.

Subjects who are identified as AAT deficient carry an increased risk of developing emphysema. This includes the most frequently observed variants such as Z and S genotypes. Subjects with the abnormal gene (Null) and no detectable plasma levels of AAT are also at high risk of developing lung disease. Such individuals with severe AATD are more likely to manifest clinical symptoms (De Serres, 2002; Luisetti, 2004).

Embodiments of the invention include a genetic diagnostic sample delivery subsystem for transmitting a genetic specimen from the patient to a genetic diagnostic system configured for diagnosing AAT deficiency. The diagnostic system can detect low plasma serum levels of AAT to prompt use of another subsystem, such as at least one delivery catheter. It has been found that an AAT serum level of less than 35 mg/dl is associated with AAT deficiency (http://alpha-1foundation.org/testing-for-alpha-1/). The genetic diagnostic sample delivery subsystem can include a cartridge container for storing blood and a needle for collecting a blood sample.

II. Natural History and Progression of the Disease

Severe clinical manifestations of AATD involve the lungs, liver and skin. The signs and symptoms of the condition and the age at which they appear vary among individuals. AATD is often first inappropriately or incompletely diagnosed as asthma or smoking-related COPD. The risk of emphysema increases proportionately to the magnitude of deficiency in AAT serum levels. Normal serum levels of AAT range from 150 to 350 mg/dL (Stoller, 1997). Individuals afflicted with AATD have had AAT serum levels as low as 35 mg/dL.

Most individuals who suffer from advanced AATD experience hyperinflation. With hyperinflation, the most diseased regions of the lung have normal inspiration but trap air upon expiration. Less affected or undamaged regions of the lung can then become compressed by the hyperinflated portions. This compression effectively compromises the remaining tissue that is exchanging gas in the lung.

Many features of emphysema due to AATD are similar to those of emphysema in individuals with normal levels of AAT. However, there are three distinctive features of emphysema associated with AATD described by various authors in the literature.

First, although the onset of emphysema is accelerated by smoking, emphysema can occur in AATD patients who have never smoked or been exposed to other environmental factors, which is exceptionally rare otherwise. Thus this disease is independent of personal choice or environmental factors.

Second, AATD patients often develop emphysema when they are in their 30s or 40s, in contrast to patients who are long time smokers but are not AAT deficient. Non-AAT deficient smokers usually do not develop symptoms until they are in their 50s or 60s. The mean age at diagnosis of AATD-associated emphysema was 46 years in the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHBLI) registry and 50 years in the British Thoracic Association series (Stoller, 1997).

Third, the radiographic pattern of AATD emphysema patients differs significantly from that of AATD-independent emphysema patients (Kaplan, 2010). Conventional emphysema due to smoking usually causes emphysematous tissue in the upper parts of the lung. In contrast, AATD emphysema patients show a radiographic pattern of panacinar emphysema predominant in the lung bases rather than the apex (Holme, 2009).

Additionally, AAT augmentation therapy is prescribed for AATD patients and pharmacotherapy regimes vary from the more widespread form of emphysema associated with smoking and/or asthma.

III. Prevalence and Incidence of AATD

AATD is a rare genetic deficiency, with estimates of prevalence ranging from 26,000 to 155,000 total affected individuals in the US. See below for a summary of available citations and the estimates provided therein (Table 1), collected from scientific and medical peer-reviewed articles, reviews and textbooks; the websites of patient advocacy groups (e.g., Alpha-1 Foundation); and governmental agency statistics (e.g., Centers for Disease Control).

Emphysema resulting from AATD generally occurs relatively early in life (in comparison to emphysema pursuant to smoking or occupational exposure). People develop symptoms in their 30s or 40s in smokers and in their 40s and 50s for non-smokers (Fregonese, 2008). Life expectancy from the time that symptoms appear is approximately 15 years (AllergyCases.org):

“Adults with α1-antitrypsin deficiency present with emphysema in the third or fourth decade of life . . . . Smokers with α1-antitrypsin deficiency develop symptoms by 30 to 40 years, whereas nonsmokers do not become symptomatic until 50 years of age. Mean life expectancy for smokers is 50 years and 66 years for nonsmokers.”

Thus, to provide the most conservative (i.e. the highest) estimate of yearly incidence, a life expectancy of 50 years is used in Table I below to calculate incidence from the cited prevalence values.

TABLE 1 Summary of Prevalence and Incidence Values for AATD Estimate of Incidence Statistic Cited in Estimate of (individuals/ Reference Reference Prevalence^(a) year) Kaplan, 2010 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 5,000 62,000 to 1,240 to 3,100 individuals 155,000 Alpha-1 Foundation 100,000 individuals 100,000 2,000 (www.alpha-1foundation.org) with AATD Alpha-1 Foundation 1 in 2,500 individuals 124,000 2,480 (www.alpha-1foundation.org) www.orpha.net 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 10,000 31,000 to   620 to 1,240 individuals  62,000 Luisetti, 2004 310,881 individuals 181,800 3,636 with AATD^(b) CDC (Summary Health 2% of adults aged 18 47,000 to  940 to 2820 Statistics for U.S. Adults) and over diagnosed with 141,000 National Center for Health emphysema; 1-3% of Statistics (Akinbami, 2011) emphysema cases due to AATD^(c) Alpha-1 Association 1 in 2,500 individuals 124,000 2,480 (www.alpha1.org) with AATD Fregonese, 2008 1 in 2,500 124,000 2,480 AAT Registry 100,000 individuals 100,000 2,000 (www.aatregistry.org) with AATD Stoller, 1997 60,000 to 100,000 60,000 to 1,200 to 2,000 individuals with AATD 100,000 ^(a)All estimates assume a U.S. population of 310 million individuals. ^(b)Cited statistic was 257,708 individuals with Pi*S/Pi*Z genotype and 53,173 individuals with Pi*Z/Pi*Z genotype in North America, who together make up the vast majority of the population with manifest AAT deficiency. Assuming a North American population of ~530 million and a U.S. population of 310 million, this suggests ~150,700 individuals with Pi*S/Pi*Z genotype and 31,100 individuals with Pi*Z/Pi*Z genotype in the U.S. ^(c)Assumes 235 million adults (aged 18 and over) in the U.S. 2% of this population yields 4.7 million people diagnosed with emphysema, and 1-3% (47,000 to 141,000) are due to AAT deficiency.

The data summarized in Table 1 above suggests that the incidence of AATD ranges from 620 to 3,636 cases per year, with most estimates of incidence at approximately 2,000 new births per year. Importantly, however, it has been noted that only a small fraction of AATD individuals have been properly diagnosed. The clinical manifestations of AATD, including breathlessness, cough, phlegm, wheeze and fatigue, especially in individuals who are non-smokers or never-smokers, leads to frequent misdiagnosis of AATD as asthma. Kaplan (2010, reference therein), Sandhaus (2004), and the Alpha-1 Foundation estimate that only 5-10% of individuals with AATD have been properly diagnosed. Applied against the estimates of the true incidence rate from Table 1 above (620 to 3,636 per year), this suggests that only 31 to 364 cases (100 to 200 cases in most estimates) will be diagnosed yearly.

Furthermore, the incidence rates noted above include some early diagnoses in individuals who still retain normal lung function and display only mild spirometric obstruction. COPD is rarely seen before the age of 30 in AATD, therefore, any proposed intervention that targets hyperinflation or an FEV1<50% predicted, such as the PneumRx AATD Treatment System, would be appropriate for the smaller fraction of patients showing these clinical symptoms.

IV. AATD is an Orphan Indication

Consistent with the analysis in Section 3.3, both AATD and AATD-related emphysema have been assigned orphan indication status by the FDA. These determinations, obtained from the FDA Office of Orphan Products Development (OOPD) database, are listed in Table 2 below. Though the standards for demonstrating a rare disease population are different for drugs [prevalence of fewer than 200,000 individuals, as per 21 CFR 316.20(b)(8)(0] and devices [incidence of fewer than 4,000 individuals per year, as per 21 CFR 814.3(n)], designation of orphan status indicates that FDA accepts the total prevalence of AATD in the US to be fewer than 200,000 individuals. This is in substantial agreement with the prevalence estimates above (ranging from 26,000 to 181,800 individuals in the US), which were derived from scientific and medical literature, advocacy groups, and various registries/databases.

TABLE 2 Summary of Orphan Drug Product Designations for AATD by FDA Desig- nation Generic Name Date Indication Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Jan. 1, As supplementation therapy for (Recombinant DNA 1984 alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency in Origin) the ZZ genotypepopulation. Alpha1-Proteinase Dec. 7, For replacement therapy in the Inhibitor (Human) 1984 alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor congenital deficiency state. Hyaluronic Acid Mar. 19, Treatment of emphysema in 2002 patients due to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Recombinant Mar. 29, Treatment of congenital alpha-1 Secretory Leucocyte 1991 antitrypsin deficiency. Protease Inhibitor May 19, Treatment of emphysema Transgenic Human 1999 secondary to alpha 1 antitrypsin Alpha 1 Antitrypsin deficiency. Alpha1 Proteinase Jan. 29, Treatment of emphysema Inhibitor (Human) 2010 secondary to congenital alpha1- antitrypsin deficiency. Alpha1-Proteinase Nov. 24, For slowing the progression of Inhibitor (Human) 1999 emphysema in alpha1-antitrypsin deficient patients. Recombinant Adeno- Jan. 27, Treatment of alpha1-antitrypsin Associated Virus 2003 deficiency. Alpha 1-Antitrypsin Vector

Of the four therapeutics approved as augmentation therapies for the treatment of AATD (discussed in more detail in Section 4 below), Prolastin was approved as an orphan drug.

V. Treatment Options for AATD-Induced Emphysema

Symptomatic patients with AATD-associated emphysema are currently treated according to published guidelines for treatment of emphysema with the addition of augmentation therapy. If applicable, smoking cessation is the first line recommended treatment. Many of the medical treatments available for emphysema including medications, supplemental oxygen and pulmonary rehabilitation may be effective for the AATD population. However, there are no existing therapies for relieving or improving symptoms of AATD-associated emphysema involving the use of implants, namely lung volume reduction implants as disclosed herein. Atelectasis inducing implants for non-genetically induced emphysema would not be useful for AATD-associated emphysema, since empty cavities traversing diseased alveoli are not associated with AATD-associated emphysema to make use of such devices. Hence, there may be a substantial belief by those skilled in the art that, in general, an implantable device for lung volume reduction would not be effective for treating AATD-associated emphysema.

AATD-associated emphysema can be treated medically with inhaled bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, and supplemental oxygen. These patients are prone to respiratory infections and thus are often prescribed antibiotics as well. Pulmonary rehabilitation includes exercise, training, and education. Although lung transplant remains an option for some patients, this option is considered to be a last resort due to its high risks. LVRS, an uncommon option in COPD, has not been shown to be effective in AATD-induced emphysema (Stoller, 2007)).

Because of the genetic deficiency inherent in AATD-associated disease, AATD patients are commonly treated with augmentation therapy (see Table 3 below). Augmentation therapy with intravenous administration of human AAT increases the levels of AAT in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of AATD individuals (ATSERS, 2003). This therapy maintains the serum AAT concentration at levels sufficient to inhibit most HNE. However, in contrast to the proven effectiveness of augmentation treatment, the clinical effect of supplemental AAT on pulmonary function, morbidity and survival has been demonstrated only in prospective observational studies, but not in randomized controlled trials. Finally, because these augmentation therapies (Table 3 below) seek to prevent progression of emphysema, approvals do not claim improvement in symptoms of emphysema in patients with existing disease.

TABLE 3 Augmentation Therapies for Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency in the U.S. Treatment Prolastin-C ® Aralast ® Zemaira ® Glassia ® Manufacturer Talecris Alpha Aventis Kamada, Ltd. Biotherapeutics, Therapeutic Behring LLC (U.S. rights acquired Inc (now Corp. (now (now by Baxter) manufactured manufactured manufactured by Grifols) by Baxter) by CSL Behring) Orphan Status Prolastin has No orphan status No orphan status No orphan status orphan License BLA; Dec. 2, BLA; Dec. 23, BLA; Jul. 8, BLA; Jul. 1, 2010 1987 2002 2003 Indication Adults who have Indicated for Chronic GLASSIA is an alpha1- emphysema augmentation augmentation proteinase inhibitor that caused by therapy in and maintenance is indicated for chronic inherited alpha patients having therapy in augmentation and 1-antitrypsin congenital individuals with maintenance therapy in deficiency deficiency of alpha1- adults with emphysema alpha1- proteinase due to congenital proteinase inhibitor deficiency of alpha1- inhibitor with deficiency and proteinase inhibitor clinically evidence of (Alpha1-PI), also evident emphysema known as alpha1- emphysema antitrypsin deficiency Contraindications Not indicated Contraindicated in Individuals IgA deficient patients as therapy for individuals with with selective with antibodies against lung disease in selective IgA IgA IgA; history of severe patients in deficiencies (IgA deficiencies immediate whom severe level less than 15 who have hypersensitivity Alpha1- PI mg/dL) who have known reactions, including deficiency has known antibody antibodies anaphylaxis, to Alpha1- not been against IgA, since against IgA PI products established; they may (anti-IgA IgA deficient experience severe antibodies) patients with reactions, including should not antibodies anaphylaxis receive against IgA Zemaira should not receive Prolastin-C due to the risk of hypersensitivity Route of Admin Intravenous Intravenous Intravenous Intravenous infusion infusion infusion infusion Adverse Events Chills, a general Headache, Asthenia, The most common feeling of being musculoskeletal injection site product-related adverse unwell, headache, discomfort and pain, dizziness, reactions (>5%) in rash, hot flush, somnolence headache, clinical studies were and itching paresthesia and headache and dizziness pruritus

Unlike augmentation therapy, the embodiments disclosed herein intended to improve lung function, exercise capacity and quality of life in patients who have emphysema due to deficiency of genetically related emphysema, such as alpha-1 antitrypsin, by achieving a lung volume reduction implant system using minimally invasive means. As noted above, the panacinar sub-type of emphysema is most commonly associated with AATD patients (Holme, 2009). Panacinar emphysema destroys the entire alveolus uniformly and predominantly affects the lower half of the lungs.

Many embodiments include at least one implant that behaves as a spring element that, through compression of diseased tissue, creates tension in the surrounding healthy lung tissue and may result in restoration of radial suspension of the lung airway network. By compressing the diseased tissue and providing increased tension and outward radial support of airways in the healthy parts of the lung, the implant can reduce air-trapping and help regain diaphragm mobility and muscle activity, which also supports breathing function.

The implant is available in different lengths. Longer lengths of the implant to facilitate access to diseased tissue through longer airways, and sufficiently treat the lower lobes, for example 100-150 mm. Thus, an implant may be placed within a middle and/or upper lobe to affect treatment of a lower lobe. Since AATD emphysema patients show panacinar emphysema predominant in the lung bases, such lengths are anticipated to facilitate access to the diseased tissue in the lower zones of the lung. Generally, at least one implant is required to affect treatment of a lower lobe, however, a plurality of implants can be used. For example, in some cases 8-12 implants can be used. Regardless, it should be understood that the number of implants used depends on the particular type of implant(s), the state of disease in the recipient lung, and implant location(s). For example, stronger coils can be used within upper lobes of a lung to affect a diseased lower lobe and/or relatively weaker coils can be used directly within the lower lobe.

Currently there is no other device or drug available, specifically for this population, that helps treat the symptoms of AATD-induced emphysema and improve quality of life for these patients. The augmentation therapies treat the underlying cause of the disease but do not claim to improve the clinical symptoms or treat/mitigate lung tissue damage that has already occurred. Because the implant system is designed to restore lung recoil and improve clinical symptoms, it is expected to improve quality of life for AATD emphysema patients. The two therapies have different mechanisms of action in targeting AATD-dependent emphysema, and it is suggested that the disclosed implant system may be used concurrently with augmentation therapy to provide both immediate improvement in disease symptoms and a delay in progression of the disease itself (augmentation therapy).

TABLE 4 Potential advantages and benefits of the implant system as a treatment for emphysema due to AATD. Aspect of Currently Approved Therapies Therapy (Prolastin-C, Aralast, Zemaira, Glassia) Implant system Nature of All are drugs within the same therapeutic Device. Unique therapeutic therapy class (augmentation therapy with purified modality with a novel, alpha-1 antitrypsin). mechanical Mechanism of Action (MOA). May be useful in patients who do not respond to augmentation therapy or for whom augmentation therapy is contraindicated. Risk of disease Purified from pooled human plasma No risk of disease transmission. transmission (possible risk of disease transmission, including HIV, hepatitis, Parvovirus, or Creutzfeldt- Jakob disease transmission). Immune Prolonged treatment may promote No expectation of immune response development of antibodies to the protein response; can be used for therapy. prolonged treatment. All drugs are contraindicated in patients IgA sensitivity would not with IgA sensitivity due to the possibility restrict implantation of the presence of IgA in the product (severe coils. hypersensitivity/anaphylaxis may result). Mechanism of Disease-modifying therapy Symptom-modifying therapy Action (MOA) (replacement of natural alpha-1 (mechanically compresses antitrypsin inhibits neutrophil damaged parenchyma and elastase activity in the lung). tenses the surrounding Late diagnosis of AATD is common due healthy tissue, thereby to similarity of symptoms to asthma and increasing elastic recoil, the lack of association with smoking; gap reducing hyperinflation, and between symptom onset and diagnosis is redirecting air to healthier frequently 7 years or more (Needhan, portions of the lung). 2004; Kaplan, 2010). Thus most Effective in ameliorating diagnoses occur in patients with emphysema symptoms, but significant existing lung damage and not predicted to be effective significant emphysema in slowing progression of symptoms. emphysema. Effective in slowing development or PneumRx System MOA is progression of emphysema due to predicted to complement unrestrained elastase activity, but not augmentation therapies effective in ameliorating existing rather than replace them. emphysema symptoms. Safety Though generally safe, associated adverse Not predicted to share an AE events (AEs) include asthenia, injection profile with available site pain, dizziness, headache, paresthesia, augmentation therapies. AEs pruritus, chills, malaise, rash, hot flush, associated with the treatment and somnolence. system placement are similar in type and frequency to those seen with bronchoscopy alone(required for deployment of the implants).

TABLE 5 Comparison with Known Therapies Trade Name Prolastin-C ® Aralast ® Zemaira ® Glassia ® Implant System Mechanism Because Augmentation Zemaira ® GLASSIA ® The implant system of PROLASTIN ® therapy has been serves as A1-PI is an is intended to Action “augments” or shown to maintain augmentation augmentation improve lung (MOA) replaces missing serum levels of therapy in this therapy that function in patients AAT, it is AAT above the patient serves to with emphysema by referred to as ATS/ERS- population, maintain introducing nitinol “augmentation recommended acting to serum levels spring coil(s) therapy” or protective increase of AAT implant(s) into the “replacement threshold of and maintain lungs to compress therapy.” 11 μM. serum levels damaged tissue and lung (lung volume epithelial lining reduction) and fluid (ELF) restore elastic recoil levels of A1- to the remaining PI. undamaged lung tissue via minimally invasive means. Adverse chills, a general headache, asthenia, The most Bronchoscopy Events feeling of being musculosk injection site common procedure related unwell, eletal pain, dizziness, product-related adverse events headache, discomfort headache, adverse such as rash, hot and paresthesia and reactions (>5%) pneumothorax and flush, and somnolence. pruritus. in clinical infection; immune itching. studies were reaction to the headache and implant is rare. dizziness. Pros Effective in slowing progression of emphysema. Effective in treating the symptoms of emphysema. Cons Because this product is made from human plasma, it may carry a risk MOA predicts no of transmitting infectious agents. slowing in The effect of therapy with any ATT on pulmonary exacerbations and progression of on the progression of emphysema in ATT deficiency has not been emphysema. demonstrated in randomized, controlled clinical trials.

Per the FDA OOPD database, augmentation therapies that boost circulating AAT plasma levels have been classified under orphan drugs, indicating that the FDA has previously determined that the AATD patient population in the United States is fewer than 200,000 individuals. There are approximately 100 to 200 new AATD emphysema diagnoses in the U.S. each year. The combined estimated incidence of diagnosed and undiagnosed AATD emphysema is 620 to 3636 cases per year. These numbers qualify the disclosed implant system for a Humanitarian Use Device designation in this indication.

As shown above, there are several medical treatments available for AATD emphysema patients including augmentation therapy and surgery. Augmentation therapy slows the progression of the underlying damage to the lung, but is not intended to improve current clinical symptoms of emphysema. Surgical options, including LVRS and lung transplant surgery, are highly invasive and carry significant safety risks. The disclosed implant system and the method for use can also have their own related adverse events, but the benefits of the implant system outweigh the risks involved, and the device offers unique benefits that are not currently available with pharmacotherapy. The implant system can be used concomitantly with augmentation therapy or alone in the treatment of symptoms from emphysema associated with AATD. The implant system is anticipated to be safe for its intended use using a minimally invasive procedure, and, unlike augmentation therapy, the implant system may provide relief from emphysema symptoms, unlike augmentation therapy, with a minimally invasive procedure.

VI. Literature References

-   1. AAT Registry. http://www.aatregistry.org/. -   2. Akinbami L J, Liu X. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Among     Adults Aged 18 and Over in the United States, 1998-2009. National     Center for Health Statistics Data Brief; June 2011. -   3. AllergyCases.org.     http://allergycases.org/2008/02/alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency.html. -   4. Alpha-1 Association. http://www.alpha1.org/. -   5. Alpha-1 Foundation. http://alpha-1foundation.org/. -   6. Alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency.     http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency. -   7. American Thoracic Society; European Respiratory Society (ATSERS).     American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society statement:     standards for the diagnosis and management of individuals with     alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Am J Respir Crit Care Med Vol 168.     pp 818-900, 2003.     http://www.thoracic.org/statements/resources/respiratory-disease-adults/alpha1.pdf. -   8. Bronchoscopy. Johns Hopkins Medicine: Health Library.     http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/pulmonary/bronchoscopy_92,     P07743/. -   9. Bronchoscopy. Medline Plus.     http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003857.htm. -   10. de Serres F J. Worldwide racial and ethnic distribution of     alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency: summary of an analysis of published     genetic epidemiologic surveys. Chest. 2002. 122(5): 1818-29. -   11. Fregonese L, Stalk J. Hereditary alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency     and its clinical consequences. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases     2008, 3:16. -   12. Genetic and Rare Diseases website.     http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/Default.aspx?PageID=4. -   13. Holme J, Stockley R A. C T scan appearance, densitometry, and     health status in protease inhibitor S Z alpha1-antitrypsin     deficiency. Chest. 2009 Nove; 136(5):1284-1290. -   14. Kaplan A, Cosentino L. Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency: forgotten     etiology. Can Fam Physician. 2010 January; 56(1):19-24. -   15. Kumar V, Abbas A K, Fausto N, ed. (2005). Robbin and Cotran     Pathological Basis of Disease (7th ed.). Elsevier/Saunders: 911-2. -   16. Luisetti M, Seersholm N. Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency. 1:     epidemiology of alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency. Thorax. 2004     February; 59(2):164-9. -   17. National Center for Health Statistics Data Brief. Chronic     Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Among Adults Aged 18 and Over in the     United States, 1998-2009; June 2011. -   18. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, U.S. Department of     Health and Human Services.     http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/heatth/health-topics/topics/bron/risks.html.     Feb. 8, 2012. -   19. Needham M, Stockley R A. Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency. 3:     Clinical manifestations and natural history. Thorax. 2004 May;     59(5):441-5. Review. -   20. Office of Orphan Products Development (OOPD).     http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/opdlisting/oopd/index.cfm.     Feb. 8, 2012 -   21. Orphanet. http://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/index.php. -   22. Piitulainen E, Eriksson S. Decline in FEV1 related to smoking     status in individuals with severe alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency     (PiZZ). Eur Respir J. 1999 February; 13(2):247-251. -   23. Russi E W. Alpha-1 antitrypsin: now available, but do we need     it? Swiss Med Weekly. 2008 Apr. 5; 138(13-14):191-6. -   24. Sandhaus R A. α1-Antitrypsin deficiency? 6: New and emerging     treatments for a 1-antitrypsin deficiency. Thorax 2004;     59(10):904-909. -   25. Sotller, J K, Gildea, T R, Ries, A L, Meli, Y M, Karafa, M T,     Lung Volume Reduction Surgery in Patients with Emphysema and alpha-1     Antitrypsin Deficiency, Ann. Thoracic Surg. 2007; 83:241-251. -   26. Summary Health Statistics for U.S. Adults: National Health     Interview Survey, 2010; Vital and Health Statistics, CDC series 10     #252, January 2012; 30-36.

By way of background and to provide context for embodiments herein, FIG. 1A illustrates the respiratory system 10 located primarily within a thoracic cavity 11. This description of anatomy and physiology is provided in order to facilitate an understanding of the invention. Persons of skill in the art will appreciate that the scope and nature of the invention is not limited by the anatomy discussion provided. Further, it will be appreciated there can be variations in anatomical characteristics of an individual, as a result of a variety of factors, which are not described herein. The respiratory system 10 includes the trachea 12, which brings air from the nose 8 or mouth 9 into the right primary bronchus 14 and the left primary bronchus 16. From the right primary bronchus 14 the air enters the right lung 18; from the left primary bronchus 16 the air enters the left lung 20. The right lung 18 and the left lung 20 together comprise the lungs 19. The left lung 20 is comprised of only two lobes while the right lung 18 is comprised of three lobes, in part to provide space for the heart typically located in the left side of the thoracic cavity 11, also referred to as the chest cavity.

As shown in more detail in FIG. 1B, the primary bronchus, e.g. left primary bronchus 16, that leads into the lung, e.g. left lung 20, branches into secondary bronchus 22, and then further into tertiary bronchus 24, and still further into bronchioles 26, the terminal bronchiole 28 and finally the alveoli 30. The pleural cavity 38 is the space between the lungs and the chest wall. The pleural cavity 38, shown in FIG. 1C, protects the lungs 19 and allows the lungs to move during breathing. Also shown in FIG. 1C, the pleura 40 defines the pleural cavity 38 and consists of two layers, the visceral pleurae 42 and the parietal pleurae 44, with a thin layer of pleural fluid therebetween. The space occupied by the pleural fluid is referred to as the pleural space 46. Each of the two pleurae layers 42, 44, are comprised of very porous mesenchymal serous membranes through which small amounts of interstitial fluid transude continually into the pleural space 46. The total amount of fluid in the pleural space 46 is typically slight. Under normal conditions, excess fluid is typically pumped out of the pleural space 46 by the lymphatic vessels.

The lungs 19 are described in current literature as an elastic structure that floats within the thoracic cavity 11. The thin layer of pleural fluid that surrounds the lungs 19 lubricates the movement of the lungs within the thoracic cavity 11. Suction of excess fluid from the pleural space 46 into the lymphatic channels maintains a slight suction between the visceral pleural surface of the lung pleura 42 and the parietal pleural surface of the thoracic cavity 44. This slight suction creates a negative pressure that keeps the lungs 19 inflated and floating within the thoracic cavity 11. Without the negative pressure, the lungs 19 collapse like a balloon and expel air through the trachea 12. Thus, the natural process of breathing out is almost entirely passive because of the elastic recoil of the lungs 19 and chest cage structures. As a result of this physiological arrangement, when the pleura 42, 44 is breached, the negative pressure that keeps the lungs 19 in a suspended condition disappears and the lungs 19 collapse from the elastic recoil effect.

When fully expanded, the lungs 19 completely fill the pleural cavity 38 and the parietal pleurae 44 and visceral pleurae 42 come into contact. During the process of expansion and contraction with the inhaling and exhaling of air, the lungs 19 slide back and forth within the pleural cavity 38. The movement within the pleural cavity 38 is facilitated by the thin layer of mucoid fluid that lies in the pleural space 46 between the parietal pleurae 44 and visceral pleurae 42. As discussed above, when the air sacs in the lungs are damaged 32, such as is the case with emphysema, it is hard to breathe. Thus, isolating the damaged air sacs to improve the elastic structure of the lung improves breathing. Similarly, locally compressing regions of the lung tissue while maintaining an overall volume of the lung increases tension in other portions of the lung tissue, which can increase the overall lung function.

A conventional flexible bronchoscope is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,015 to Nierman for Biopsy Forceps. As shown in FIGS. 2A-D, bronchoscope 50 can be configured to be of any suitable length, for example, measuring 790 mm in length. The bronchoscope 50 can further be configured from two main parts, a working head 52 and an insertion tube 54. The working head 52 contains an eyepiece 56; an ocular lens with a diopter adjusting ring 58; attachments for the suction tubing 60 and a suction valve 61 and for the cold halogen light source 62 and 63; and an access port or biopsy inlet 64, through which various devices and fluids can be passed into the working channel 66 and out the distal end of the bronchoscope. The working head is attached to the insertion tube, which typically measures 580 mm in length and 6.3 mm in diameter. The insertion tube can be configured to contain fiberoptic bundles (which terminate in the objective lens 67 at the distal tip 68), two light guides 70, 70′ and the working channel 66. The distal end of the bronchoscope has the ability to bend 72 anterior and posterior, with the exact angle of deflection depending on the instrument used. A common range of bending is from 160 degrees forward to 90 degrees backward, for a total of 250 degrees. Bending may be controlled by the operator by adjusting an angle lock lever and angulation lever on the working head. See also, U.S. Patent Pub. US 2005/0288550 A1 to Mathis for Lung Access Device and US 2005/0288549 A1 to Mathis for Guided Access to Lung Tissue, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 3 illustrates the use of a lung volume reduction delivery device 80 for delivering a lung volume reduction device comprising an implantable device with the bronchoscope 50. The lung volume reduction system, as described in further detail below, is adapted and configured to be delivered to a lung airway of a patient in a delivery configuration and then transitioned to a deployed configuration. By deploying the device, tension can be applied to the surrounding tissue which can facilitate restoration of the elastic recoil of the lung. The device is designed to be used by an interventionalist or surgeon.

FIGS. 4A-F illustrate a shaft or tubular member of a lung volume reduction device 110 which may be included in an implant according to an aspect of the invention, with FIGS. 4B-F being cross-sections taken along the lines B-B, C-C, D-D, E-E, and F-F of FIG. 4A, respectively. The lung volume reduction device 110 includes a member, such as tubular member 112, which has c-cuts 114, or notches, along its length to provide flexibility such that the device can be deflected off a longitudinal axis A when deployed. In other words, the longitudinal axis of the implant shaft or body may be changed from a generally straight configuration suitable for distal insertion along axis A to a bent or deployed configuration. The bent or deployed implant may bend or reconfigure a surrounding airway so as to locally compress lung tissue. For example, where the cuts are oriented parallel to one another along the length of the tubular member and are of the same or similar depth D, the device will tend to uniformly curve around an axis point when deployed. As a result, the device preferentially curls or bends in a direction as determined by the shape of the slots. Different types (width, depth, orientation, etc.) of notches or slots can be used to achieve different operational effects and configurations of the deployed device without departing from the scope of the invention.

Positioned within a lumen 113 of the tubular member 112, is an actuation element 116 or pull-wire. The actuation element can have a circular circumference in cross-section, as depicted, or can have any other suitable cross-section. The actuation element 116 may be anchored at one end of the device 110, e.g. the distal end, by a cap 119. The cap 119 can be bonded to the device and a distal crimp can be provided to crimp the cap 119 into the pull-wire 116. The cap 119 may be rounded as depicted to make the dip of the device atraumatic. Alternatively, cap 119 may be configured to include an anchor configured to grasp the adjacent airway during the device deployment within the airway. The anchor may increase the amount of tissue compression by a deployed device and thereby increase the amount of beneficial tension in the lung. Such optional anchors are discussed further below. The opposing end, e.g. proximal end, may be adapted and configured to engage a mechanism 120. The mechanism 120 may be adapted deploy the device. Further mechanism 120 may be configured to lock the device into a deployed configuration once the device 110 is deployed or to unlock the device to facilitate retrieval of the device from an airway. The device 110 may be configured to be detachable from a delivery catheter adapted to deliver the lung volume reduction device. The delivery catheter and delivery of the device are discussed further below.

Mechanism 120, at the proximal end of the device may be adapted to include a retainer ring 122 that engages a ratchet 124 that can be used to lock the device in place. The coupler 126 retains the ratchet 124 such that the ratchet locks the device in place once deployed. At the proximal end, a retrieval adapter 130 is provided, such as a pull-wire eyelid. The retrieval adapter 130 may be adapted and configured to enable the device to be retrieved at a later point during the procedure or during a subsequent procedure. The ratchet device may include flanges that extend away from a central axis when deployed to lock the device in place.

FIGS. 5A-C illustrate yet another lung volume reduction device according to another aspect of the invention, with FIGS. 5B-C being cross-sections taken along the lines B-B, and C-C of FIG. 5A, respectively. As depicted in this embodiment, the lung volume reduction device 310 includes a member, such as tubular member 312, which has c-cuts 314, 314′, or notches, along its length to provide flexibility such that the device can be deflected in more than one direction off a longitudinal axis A when deployed. In this embodiment, the notches are positioned on the member 312 on opposing sides of the member when the member is lying within a plane. For example, where the cuts are oriented parallel each other along the length of the tubular member and are of the same or similar depth D, the device will tend to uniformly curve around an axis point when deployed. In this embodiment, when deployed, the configuration of the notches would result in a deployed configuration that is “s-shaped” when the actuator element 316 is pulled proximally (i.e., toward the user).

FIG. 6 illustrates yet another lung volume reduction device 410 according to another aspect of the invention. In this embodiment, the tubular member 412 has notches 414, 414′, 414″ configured in a spiral pattern along its length. As a result, when the actuation element 416 is pulled proximally toward the user, the device bends to form a spiral as illustrated below.

FIG. 7 illustrates a lung volume reduction device 510 encased in a sheath 535. The sheath can be a polymeric elastic membrane, such as silicone. The sheath can prevent material from a body cavity from entering the lumen 513 of the tubular member 512. An actuation member 516 is provided within the lumen 513 of the tubular member 512.

FIGS. 8A-D illustrate yet another lung volume reduction device 610 according to another aspect of the invention, with FIGS. 8B-D being cross-sections taken along the lines B-B, C-C, and D-D of FIG. 8A, respectively. The lung volume reduction device 610 in this embodiment is comprised of individual segments 612, 612′, 612″. The segments can be configured, for example, to have identical asymmetrical configurations such that a compressible space 614 is between each segment before the device is actuated by activating the actuator element 616. Each of the segments can further comprise a detent on a first surface which opposes a mating indentation on a surface of an opposing segment. As will be appreciated, a variety of components of devices disclosed herein can be configured to provide locking or mating mechanisms to facilitate actuation and operation. When the actuation element 616 is activated, the compressible space is reduced and the opposing surfaces of two adjacent segments come together to reduce or eliminate the space between them, depending upon the desired outcome. Where the segments have identical or nearly identical configurations, the device will evenly arc around an axis point. Where the segments do not have identical configurations, a variety of configurations can be achieved upon deployment depending on the configurations of the segments selected and the organization of the segments in the device. As with previous embodiments, the actuator element 616 is secured at one end, e.g., the distal end, by a cap 619. The segments can be formed as hypotubes or can be formed as injection molded or solid pieces. Use of segments can avoid fatigue on the device because the surfaces come in contact with one another during compression. Material selection can also prevent biometallic corrosion. Further, the segment design is conducive for mass production and maintenance of consistence for final shape and operation.

FIGS. 9A-B illustrate segments 712, 712′ suitable for use in configuring a lung volume reduction device according to an aspect of the invention. The segments, as depicted, can be generally cylindrical with a pair of surfaces that are either parallel or non-parallel each other at either end. To achieve the operation described above, a first surface 713 could be perpendicular to the elongated tubular sides 715 of the element, while the opposing surface 717 is not perpendicular to the sides of the element (or parallel to the opposing first surface). A detent 721 can be provided on one surface that is configured to mate with an indentation 723 the second surface of another. Other configurations, such as a key: keyway combination, can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. A central lumen 725 is provided through which an actuator element (described above) passes through. I

FIG. 10 illustrates devices 2510 according to the invention in a pre-deployed configuration. FIG. 10 illustrates the device 2510 having a longitudinal configuration, such as the configuration assumed prior to deployment. When the device is implanted and placed in compression or tension axially, the device will preferentially bend. The actual preferential bending will vary depending upon the configuration of the device. For example, the location, depth, and orientation of the slots depicted in FIGS. 4-7; or the orientation of the walls of the segments of FIG. 8. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art upon reviewing this disclosure, other configurations can be achieved by, for example, altering the size and location of the c-cuts on the tubular member, or by altering the configuration of the segments illustrated in FIGS. 8-9. Once the device preferentially bends, the device imparts a bending force on the lung tissue which results in a reduction of lung volume. As is appreciated, the implant, once re-shaped, is shorter in length than the deliverable implant configuration. The shortening occurs when for example, the distance between the proximal end and the distal end is reduced. Typically, the deliverable shape of the device is such that it fits within a cylindrical space that is 18 mm in diameter or smaller. Thus, the implant can come into contact with tissue that is larger than 10⁻⁶ square inches per linear inch of the implant length. The re-shaped or deployed implant can be configured in a variety of shapes to lie within a single plane, or to adopt any other suitable configuration, such that it does not lie within a single plane. Additionally, the device can have varying rates of curvature along its length. Turning to FIGS. 11A-B, a lung volume reduction device 210 according to another aspect of the invention is depicted, with FIG. 11B being a cross section taken along the lines B-B of FIG. 11A. Positioned within a lumen 213 of the tubular member 212 is an actuation element 216 or a pull wire. As described above, the actuation element can have a circular circumference in cross-section, as depicted, or can have any other suitable cross-section. The actuation element 216 may be anchored at one end of the device 210, e.g. the distal end, by a cap 219. In this embodiment, the retainer ring 222 is configured to provide anchors 223, 223′ or teeth that are adapted to deploy by retracting the retaining sheath of a delivery catheter. When deployed, the anchors 223 contact the airway and affix the device in place. The anchor 223 can be configured to be self-expanding such that the anchors approach or extend through (e.g., hook) the airway. The amount of expansion of the anchors will be controlled by the design and the materials used. For example, where a shape memory material is used, the anchors can be configured to extend away from the longitudinal wall of the tubular member by a predetermined angle α, as depicted ˜10 degrees. The design of the anchor can further be driven by the length of the device. The anchors can be configured to catch on the airway when deployed in a manner similar to the way a stent catches within the vasculature, or the anchor can be designed to cause friction. Prior to deployment, the anchors may be retained by a retaining sheath (illustrated below).

FIGS. 12A-C illustrates devices 2710 according to the invention implanted within, for example, a bronchiole 26. The device 2710 depicted in FIG. 12A is configured to provide an atraumatic tip 2711 on either end of the device. When the device 2710 is activated within the bronchiole 26 the device curves and imparts a bending force on the lung tissue. As a result of the bending pressure, the tissue curves and compresses upon its self to reduce lung volume. Additionally, deployment of the device can result in the airway becoming bent. As illustrated in FIG. 33C the device can also be configured with a single atraumatic tip so that the deployment mechanism 2720 can easily interface with the proximal end of the device. Alternatively, atraumatic tip 2711 may be comprise a rounded tip similar to the tip illustrated in FIG. 4A.

In another embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 13A-F, the device 810 is comprised of a plurality of individual wires formed of shape memory material that resume their shape when implanted. The wires can be heat treated to assume a specific shape, such as a C shape as described above. The wires are then individually implanted through a delivery system 850 such that when the first wire is implanted the diameter of the wire may be small enough that the wire cannot overcome the force applied by the surrounding tissue to assume its preconfigured shape. However, upon implantation of additional wires, the amount of strength available cumulatively among the wires does overcome the force applied by the tissue and the wires, together, achieve the desired shape (see. FIG. 13F). As will be apparent to those of skill in the art, the strength of a shaped wire can vary depending on how much material is used. For example, a shaped wire with a larger cross-section will have higher strength than a shaped wire with a smaller cross-section. However, a larger diameter wire may be harder to implant because it would be harder to straighten into a shape suitable for deployment. Where many small wires are used, each wire individually is more flexible and can be deployed easier, but as a larger number of wires are implanted the combined strength increases. In some embodiments, it may be useful to configure the devices 810 such that the use of, for example, 50-100 wires will have the strength to overcome pressure applied by the tissue. The wires 810 can be deployed within a flexible polymer tube to keep the wires in proximity to each other.

FIG. 14 shows an example of an implantable device 3703 made from Nitinol metal wire 3701. Nickel-Titanium, Titanium, stainless steel or other biocompatible metals with memory shape properties or materials with capabilities to recover after being strained 1% or more may be used to make such an implant. Additionally, plastics, carbon based composites or a combination of these materials would be suitable. The device is shaped like a French horn and can generally lie in a single plane. The ends are formed into a shape that maximizes surface area shown in the form of balls 3702 to minimize scraping or gouging lung tissue. The balls may be made by melting back a portion of the wire, however, they may be additional components that are welded, pressed or glued onto the ends of wire 3701.

A Nitinol metallic implant, such as the one illustrated in FIG. 14, may be configured to be elastic to recover to a desired shape in the body as any other type of spring would or it can be made in a configuration that may be thermally actuated to recover to a desired shape. Nitinol can be cooled to a martensite phase or warmed to an austenite phase. In the austenite phase, the metal recovers to its programmed shape. The temperature at which the metal has fully converted to an austenite phase is known as the Af temperature (austenite final). If the metal is tuned so that the Af temperature is at body temperature or lower than body temperature, the material is considered to be elastic in the body and it will perform as a simple spring. The device can be cooled to induce a martensite phase in the metal that will make the device flexible and very easy to deliver. As the device is allowed to heat, typically due to body heat, the device will naturally recover its shape because the metal is making a transition back to an austenite phase. If the device is strained to fit through a delivery system, it may be strained enough to induce a martensite phase also. This transformation can take place with as little as 0.1% strain. A device that is strain induced into a martensite phase will still recover to its original shape and convert back to austenite after the constraints are removed. If the device is configured with an Ar temperature that is above body temperature, the device may be heated to convert it to austenite and thermally activate its shape recovery inside the body. All of these configurations will work well to actuate the device in the patient's lung tissue. The human body temperature is considered to be 37 degrees C. in the typical human body.

FIG. 15 illustrates a cutaway view of a delivery cartridge system 3800 that constrains the implant device 3703 in a deliverable shape. The device 3801 may be shipped to the intended user in such a system or it may be used as a tool to more easily load the implant into a desired shape before being installed into the patient, bronchoscope or a catheter delivery device. The cartridge may be sealed or terminated with open ends or one or more hubs such as the Luer lock hub 3802 that is shown. The implant should be constrained to a diameter that is the same or less than 18 mm diameter because anything larger than that will be difficult to advance past the vocal cord opening.

FIG. 16 illustrates another implant device 3901 that is shaped in a three dimensional shape similar to the seam of a baseball. The wire is shaped so that proximal end 3902 extends somewhat straight and slightly longer than the other end. This proximal end will be the end closest to the user and the straight section will make recapture easier. If it were bent, it may be driven into the tissue making it hard to access.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of another implant system 4001. It is similar to that shown in FIG. 16 with the addition of a wire frame 4002 surrounding the device. The wire frame may be used, for example, to increase the bearing area that is applied to the lung tissue. By increasing the bearing area, the pressure born by the tissue is reduced along with a reduction in the propensity for the device to grow through lung structures or cause inflammatory issues. Small wires that apply loads in the body tend to migrate so we believe that the device should be configured to possess more than 0.000001 (1⁻⁶ in²) square inches of surface area per linear inch of the length of the device. The frame is one of many ways to provide a larger surface area to bear on the tissue.

FIG. 18 shows yet another example of a device 4101 according to the invention. The device 4101 features a covering to increase bearing area 4102. In this example, the main wire 3902 is covered by a wire frame and a polymeric covering 4102. The covering may be made of any biocompatible plastic, thermoplastic, fluoropolymer, Teflon®, urethane, metal mesh, coating, silicone or other resilient material that will reduce the bearing pressure on the lung tissue. The ends of the covering 4103 may remain sealed or open as shown to allow the user to flush antibiotics into and out of the covering.

FIG. 19 illustrates another configuration of the implant device 4201 showing a covering 4205 with perforations 4203 adapted and configured to allow the device to be flushed. The ends 4202 of the covering are sealed to the ends of the device to keep the two components fixed and prevent sliding of one or the other during deployment. The covering may be thermally bonded, glued or shrunk to a tight fit.

FIG. 20 illustrates a device 4301 that has the wire frame 4002 joined to the ball ends 3702 at a junction 4302. The balls may be melted from the wire stock and the wire frame may be incorporated into the ball at that time. It may also be glued, pressed together, welded or mechanically locked together.

FIG. 21 illustrates another implant device 4401 with an attached wire frame 4302, main wire 4103 and a covering 4102. The complete implant may include additional structures or materials which enhance the ability of the implant to provide therapeutic benefits during long-term implantation, with many of these additional structures or materials providing a bearing surface or interface between the compression-inducing shaft of the device and the surrounding tissue lumen wall of an airway. These additional structures or materials may be any of the structures or materials that are disclosed in related U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/782,515 filed on May 18, 2010, entitled Cross-Sectional Modification During Deployment of an Elongate Lung Volume Reduction Device, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 22 illustrates a system of one or more devices that can be hooked together 4501. The device 3703 is configured such that it terminates on both ends, for example, with blunt ball shaped ends 3702. The device 4502 is terminated on one end with an open cup and slot shape 4503 that allows the devices to be coupled together. These devices may be delivered together or coupled in-situ. Devices may be installed into a single duct in the lung or in different locations that may be linked together.

FIG. 23 illustrates another three dimensional device 4601 made in the form of a coil with atraumatic ball terminations 3702.

FIGS. 24A-E illustrate another 100 mm long device 900 in a pre-implantation or a post-implantation configuration. In this configuration, device 900 includes two helical sections 902, 904 with a transition section 906 disposed between the two helical sections 902, 904. Similar to the devices described above, device 900 may have another configuration which corresponds to a delivery configuration in which the device assumes during delivery to a treatment region within an airway. Each helical section 902, 904 includes a respective helical axis 906, 908. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 24A-E, helical axis 906 is at an angle with helical axis 908. In alternative embodiments, helical section 902, 904 may share a helical axis.

In this particular embodiment, device 900 comprises a shape-memory material, however a person of ordinary skill would recognize that many of the methods described above may be used to configure a device such that it may be mechanically actuated and locked into a similar configuration. Device 900 as shown in the figures includes a right-handed helical section and a left-handed helical section and the transition section 910 between the two helical sections comprises a switchback transition section when the device is in the pre-implantation or post-implantation configuration. The switchback transition section may reduce the recoil forces during device 900 deployment thereby providing greater control of device 900 during deployment. Additionally, the switchback transition may reduce migration of the implant after deployment and thus maintain the device's tissue compression advantages. As shown in FIGS. 24A-E, the helical sections do not have to include the same number of loops or complete helix turns. In this embodiment the distal helix 904 comprises more loops than the proximal helix 902. Alternatively, device 900 may be configured such that the proximal helix 902 includes more loops than distal helix 906. The helical sections may be configured to include a pitch gap of 0.078±0.025 in. In this particular embodiment, the two helical sections are circular helical sections. Other embodiments of the present invention may be configured to include spherical or conical helical sections when in a pre-implantation or post-implantation configuration.

FIGS. 25A-D illustrate device 900 further comprising a jacket 916. Jacket 916 may increase the diameter of device 900 so as to provide more area per unit force when deployed in the airway. For example, the jacket may increase the device diameter by 3.25× to provide more area per unit force. Accordingly, the increase in diameter may reduce erosion into an airway wall once device 900 is deployed. Jacket 916 may comprise 55D polycarbonate urethane (PCU). PCU may reduce biofilms that promote bacterial growth thereby limiting incidents of infection. The jacket may cover the proximal helix, the distal helix, and the transition section disposed between the helices. Additionally, the jacket may cover the distal portion of the device as shown in FIGS. 25A-D. In some embodiments, the proximal end is also covered by the jacket. Alternatively, the jacket may cover only certain portions of the device. The jacket may be fastened to device 900 by an adhesive such as Loctite 3311.

The proximal end 912 and distal end 914 of device 900 may be configured to be atraumatic. In the depicted embodiment, proximal end 912 and distal end 914 comprises a ball with a diameter of about 0.055±0.005 in which may be made by melting back a portion of the wire or may be additional components that are welded, pressed or glued onto the ends of the wire. The atraumatic ball may have a smaller surface area to allow a low catheter friendly profile or a larger ball which reduces the tissue stress with the larger surface area. In other embodiments, an anchor may be used to couple the proximal end or distal end of device 900 to an airway wall during the deployment of the device.

Proximal end 912 is also configured as a stand-off proximal tail which may be defined by an outer cylindrical boundary defined by the distal coil. For example, as shown in

FIG. 24B, angle θ may be 76°±20°. In some embodiments the stand-off proximal tail may extend away from the axis of a helical section when the device is in the pre-implantation or post-implantation configuration as shown in FIG. 24D. The stand-off proximal tail may include a steeper bend 915 at the proximal end which may allow more length to be used in compression. Additionally, the standoff proximal tail provides for better device retrievability once deployed by reducing the chances that the proximal tail will impinge against or penetrate through the airway wall once the device is deployed. Accordingly, device repositioning and/or removal may be facilitated by a device with a standoff proximal tail configuration. The stand-off proximal tail may be used with other device configurations. In one embodiment, the stand-off proximal tail may be utilized with a device configuration comprising a single helical section.

FIGS. 26A-E illustrate device 1000 which is similar to device 900. Device 1000 includes a proximal helical section 1002 and a distal helical section 1004. A transition 1006 is disposed between the two helical sections 1002, 1004. The proximal end 1012 and distal end 1014 comprise atraumatic balls. Distal helical section 1004 includes 4.25 loops but may comprise more. FIGS. 27A-D illustrate device 1000 further comprising jacket 1016. The distal helical sections may further compress portions of the lungs when device 1000 is deployed within an airway. Similar to device 900, other configurations of device 1000 are possible. For example, device 1000 may be configured to include two right handed helical sections or two left handed helical sections. Optionally, the helical sections may share the same helical axis.

FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate how the device length is reduced when the device is deployed in-situ. The device shown in the delivery configuration 4802 in FIG. 28 is also shown in the deployed configuration 4803 in FIG. 29. The distance A between the device ends 3702 is large while the device is constrained by the constraining cartridge device 3801. Distance A is similar when the device is constrained by a loading cartridge, catheter or bronchoscope. FIG. 29 shows the same device in a deployed configuration 4803 in an airway 4801 that has been deformed by the shape recovery of the implant device. FIG. 29 shows that the distance B between the device ends 3702 is substantially shorter after the device is deployed. Similarly, FIG. 30 illustrates the device of FIGS. 26A-E deployed within an airway. As can be seen, the airway lining may be pinched between adjacent helix loops thereby providing beneficial tissue compression. In some embodiments, a 70% improvement in volume reduction over current LVRC can be obtained.

FIGS. 30 and 31 show two photos of a human lung in a chest cavity simulator. The lungs were explanted from a person who expired due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The cavity is sealed with the lung's main stem bronchi protruding through a hole in the cavity wall. The bronchi has been sealed to the hole so a vacuum can be applied to aspirate the air from the space between the cavity interior and the lung. This allows the lung to be drawn to a larger expanded condition with vacuum levels that are physiologic (such as 0.1 to 0.3 psi, similar to that of the typical human chest cavity). FIG. 30 illustrates a 175 mm long implant that has been delivered to a distal end of a delivery catheter as described above. The catheter is substantially constraining the implant in a straightened delivery configuration.

FIG. 31 shows the implant after the catheter has been retracted from the implant to allow the implant to return toward its relaxed configuration. The implant has recovered to its original shape by means of elastic recoil and possibly a Nitinol metal compositional phase change substantially back to austenite. The delivery grasper has been unlocked to release the implant in the airway. By comparing the lung tissue in FIGS. 30 and 31, the regions of the lung that are compressed by the implant during the process of shape recovery (changing from a delivered shape to a deployed shape) can be identified. The compressed regions are visualized in the fluoroscopic images by distinct increases in darkness or darker grey shades of the images. Darker regions identify more dense regions and lighter identify less dense regions. The implant can be seen to compress regions as it recovers to cause areas of the lung to become darker. Other regions can be seen to be strained or stretched and this can also be seen as regions that are converted to a lighter region.

The implant can be placed in pathologic regions in the lung that provide limited or no exchange of gas to and from the blood stream because the alveolar walls used to do so have been degraded by disease due to degeneration of elastin. These are typically the most degraded regions that have lost mechanical strength and elasticity. In an inhaling COPD patient these degraded areas fill with air first, at the expense of gas filling in regions that could better help the patient, because the weakened tissue presents little to no resistance to gas filling. By implanting the devices in these areas, resistance is provided so the gas is filled in regions that still can effectively exchange elements to and from the blood stream. Viable regions have structure remaining so resistance to gas filling is present as this is a normal physiologic property. The implant advantageously provides more gas filling resistance in the destroyed regions than the normal physiologic resistance in the viable regions so gas flows to viable tissue. This eliminates or reduces the counterproductive “preferential filling” phenomenon of the most diseased lung tissue prior to treatment. However, as mentioned above, the implant can be placed in non-diseased regions in the lung to affect diseased portions of the lung. Thus, the implant may be placed within a middle and/or upper lobe to affect treatment of a lower lobe.

The implantable device may also delay collapse of airways during a breathing cycle thereby limiting the amount of air trapping in a lung. Accordingly, patients with small airway disease or with alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency may also be treated with such a device. Additionally, the implantable device may be configured to provide enhanced breathing efficacy immediately after implantation while still allowing gas exchange distal to the deployed implant thereby reducing the chance of atelectasis of lung tissue distal to the implant.

As with previous embodiments, the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 14-31 are adapted and configured to be delivered to a lung airway of a patient in a delivery configuration and to change to a deployed configuration to bend the lung airway. The devices are characterized in that the devices have a delivery configuration that is resiliently bendable into a plurality of shapes, such as the ones depicted in the Figures. The design of the devices can be such that strain relief is facilitated on both ends of the device. Further the ends of the device in either the delivery or deployed state are more resilient.

The devices can have any suitable length for treating target tissue. However, the length typically range from, for example, 1 to 20 cm. The diameter of the device can range from 1.00 mm to 1.5 mm, 1.00 to 3.0 mm, and in some embodiments 2.4 mm. The device is used with a catheter which has a working length of 60 cm to 200 cm, preferably 90 cm.

In operation the devices shown in FIGS. 14-31 are adapted and configured to be minimally invasive which facilitates easy use with a bronchoscope procedure. Typically, there is no incision and no violation of the pleural space of the lung during deployment. Furthermore, collateral ventilation in the lung does not affect the effectiveness of the implanted device. As a result, the devices are suitable for use with both homogeneous and heterogeneous emphysema.

Each of the devices depicted in FIGS. 14-31 are adapted and configured to impart bending force on lung tissue. For example, a spring element can be provided, as illustrated in FIG. 14 that imparts bending force on lung tissue. The implantable spring element that can be constrained into a shape that can be delivered to a lung airway and unconstrained to allow the element to impart bending force on the airway to cause the airway to be bent.

Embodiments of the lung volume reduction system can be adapted to provide an implant that is constrained in a first configuration to a relatively straighter delivery configuration and allowed to recover in situ to a second configuration that is less straight configuration. Devices and implants can be made, at least partially, of spring material that will fully recover after having been strained at least 1%, suitable material includes a metal, such as metals comprising Nickel and Titanium. In some embodiments, the implant of the lung volume reduction system is cooled below body temperature in the delivered configuration. In such an embodiment, the cooling system can be controlled by a temperature sensing feedback loop and a feedback signal can be provided by a temperature transducer in the system. The device can be configured to have an Af temperature adjusted to 37 degrees Celsius or colder. Additionally, at least a portion of the metal of the device can be transformed to the martensite phase in the delivery configuration and/or can be in an austenite phase condition in the deployed configuration.

Lung volume reduction systems, such as those depicted in FIGS. 14-31, comprise an implantable device that is configured to be deliverable into a patient's lung and which is also configured to be reshaped to make the lung tissue that is in contact with the device more curved. Increasing the curvature of the tissue assists in reducing the lung volume of diseased tissue, which in turn increases the lung volume of healthier tissue. In some instances, the devices are configured to be reshaped to a permanent second configuration. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the devices can also be adapted and configured to have a first shape and is configured to be strained elastically to a deliverable shape.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the devices illustrated in FIGS. 14-31 are can be configured to be deliverable into a patient's lung and configured to reshape lung tissue while allowing fluid to flow both directions past the implant. A number of additional features described in related U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/558,206 entitled Enhanced Efficacy Lung Volume Reduction Devices, Methods, and Systems, such as lock features, decoupler systems, activation systems, and retrieval systems may be used with aspects of the present invention. The full disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/558,206 is incorporated herein by reference.

FIGS. 32A-C illustrates the process of implanting the device within a lung. As is evidence, the device 2810 is advanced is a configuration where the device adapts to the anatomy of the lungs through the airways and into, for example, the bronchioles until it reaches a desired location relative to the damaged tissue 32. The device is then activated by engaging the actuation device, causing the device to curve and pull the lung tissue toward the activated device (see, FIG. 32B). The device continues to be activated until the lung tissue is withdrawn a desired amount, such as depicted in FIG. 32C. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, withdrawing the tissue can be achieved by, for example, curving and compressing a target section of lung tissue upon deployment of one of the configurable devices disclosed herein. Once activated sufficiently, the deployment device is withdrawn from the lung cavity.

A variety of steps for performing a method according to the invention would be appreciated by those skilled in the art upon review of this disclosure. However, for purposes of illustration, FIG. 33A illustrates the steps including, insertion of the device 3610, activating the device 3620, such as by activating an actuator; bending the device into a desired configuration 3630 and locking the device into a deployed condition. As will be appreciated the step of bending the device can be achieved by activating the actuator, as described above, or by the implant being restored into a preconfigured shape.

In one embodiment, the device operation includes the step of inserting a bronchoscope into a patient's lungs and then inserting an intra-bronchial device or lung volume reduction device into the bronchoscope. The intrabronchial device is then allowed to exit the distal end of the bronchoscope where it is pushed into the airway. A variety of methods can then be used to verify the positioning of the device to determine if the device is in the desired location. Suitable methods of verification include, for example, visualization via visualization equipment, such as fluoroscopy, CT scanning, etc. Thereafter the device is activated by pulling the pull wire proximally (i.e., toward the user and toward the exterior of the patient's body). At this point, another visual check can be made to determine whether the device has been positioned and deployed desirably. Thereafter, the device can be fully actuated and the ratchet can be allowed to lock and hold the device in place. Thereafter, the implant is decoupled from the delivery catheter and the delivery catheter is removed.

Another method of tensioning the lung is shown in FIG. 33B which illustrates steps that include, applying bending loads or force to strain a device from a first shape into a deliverable shape without plastically or permanently bending the device 3640, delivering the device into the patient using the bronchoscope or other delivery system components to hold the device in a deliverable shape while it is being introduced 3650 and then removing the constraint used to hold the device to allow it to recover back to its first shape 3660. Elastic recovery of the device will drive the device to a more bent condition that will apply force to nearby lung tissue. The bending forces locally compress tissue near the implant and apply tension on lung tissue in surrounding regions to restore lung recoil and enhance breathing efficiency. The first shape is adapted to be elastically constrained by a delivery device to a deliverable configuration whereby removal of the delivery device allows the implant to recoil and be reshaped closer to its first shape.

FIG. 34 illustrates a system 4901 that may be used to deliver the implant device. The many components of the system may be needed to guide the bronchoscope 4902 to a site that is appropriate for implant delivery. The airway guide wire has a distal floppy section 4913 that can be steered into any desired airway by rotating the slight curve at the distal tip to the appropriate trajectory at airway bifurcations. To apply torque to the wire, devices such as a locking proximal handle 4915 may be attached to the proximal end of the wire 4912. The wire tip may be blunt such as the ball tip shown 4914. In some embodiments, the wire may be adapted and configured to pass through a dilator catheter 4909 that is shaped to provide a smooth diameter transition from the wire diameter to the delivery catheter 4906 diameter. The distal tip of the dilator 4910 should be tapered 4911 as shown. The dilator prevents the open end of the delivery catheter 4906 to dig into lung tissue in an unintended way. The dilator hub 4916 may be made as a Y-fitting to allow the user to couple a syringe and inject radiopaque dye through the dilator lumen to increase the visibility of the airways, which facilitates the use of an x-ray guidance system, such as fluoroscopy or computed tomography. The delivery catheter may be used without the wire and dilator. The catheter 4906 is designed to constrain the device in a deliverable shape while it is advanced through the system and into the patient. The distal end 4907 may be configured from a floppier polymer or braid than the proximal end 4906 and the distal tip may further include a radiopaque material associated with the tip, either integral or adjacent, to identify the position of the tip relative to other anatomical locations, such as bones. Providing one or more radiopaque markers facilitates using x-ray guidance system to position the distal end of the device in situ relative to a target anatomy. The proximal termination of the delivery catheter 4908 may further be adapted to incorporate a lockable hub to secure the loading cartridge 3801 with a smooth continuous lumen. The delivery catheter 4906 is shown introduced into the bronchoscope side port 4905 and out the distal end of the scope 4917. A camera 4903 is shown attached to the end of the scope with a cable 4904, or other delivery mechanism, to transmit the image signal to a processor and monitor. The loading cartridge, delivery catheter, dilator, guide wire and wire nut may be made from any material identified in this specification or materials well known to be used for similar products used in the human vascular tract by radiologists.

FIG. 35 illustrates a delivery system 5001 that has been placed into a human lung. The bronchoscope 4902 is in an airway 5002. The scope camera 4903 is coupled to a video processor 5004 via a cable 4904. The image is processed and sent through a cable 5005 to a monitor 5006. The monitor shows a typical visual orientation on the screen 5007 of a delivery catheter image 5008 just ahead of the optical element in the scope. The distal end of the delivery catheter 4907 protrudes out of the scope in an airway 5002 where the user will place an implant device 3703. The implant 3703 is loaded into a loading cartridge 3801 that is coupled to the proximal end of the delivery catheter via locking hub connection 3802. A pusher grasper device 5009 is coupled to the proximal end of the implant 3703 with a grasper coupler 5010 that is locked to the implant using an actuation plunger 5012, handle 5011 and pull wire that runs through the central lumen in the pusher catheter. By releasably coupling the pusher to the implant device and advancing pusher/grasper device 5009, the user may advance the implant to a position in the lung in a deployed configuration. The user can survey the implant placement position and still be able to retrieve the implant back into the delivery catheter, with ease, if the delivery position is less than ideal. The device has not been delivered and the bottom surface of the lung 5003 is shown as generally flat and the airway is shown as generally straight. These may both be anatomically correct for a lung with no implant devices. If the delivery position is correct, the user may actuate the plunger 5012 to release the implant into the patient.

FIG. 36 illustrates generally the same system after the implant has been deployed into the airway 5103. The implant 5102 and pusher 5101 has been advanced through the delivery catheter 4907 to a location distal to the scope 4902. The pusher grasping jaws 5010 are still locked onto the proximal end of the implant 5102 but the implant has recovered to a pre-programmed shape that has also bent the airway 5103 into a folded configuration. By folding the airway, the airway structure has been effectively shortened within the lung and lung tissue between portions of the implant has been laterally compressed. Since the airways are well anchored into the lung tissue, the airway provides tension on the surrounding lung tissue which is graphically depicted by showing the pulled (curved inward) floor of the lung 5104. The image from the camera 4903 is transmitted through the signal processor 5004 to the monitor 5006 to show the distal tip of the delivery catheter 5101, distal grasper of the pusher 5010 and proximal end of the implant 3703. The grasper may be used to locate, couple to and retrieve devices that have been released in the patient. The implant performs work on the airways and lung tissue without blocking the entire lumen of the airway. This is a benefit in that fluid or air may pass either way through the airway past the implant device.

FIG. 37 illustrates delivery system 5200 as placed into a patient body, and particularly into a human lung. Delivery system 5200 may be generally similar to system 4901 or 5001 described above. The distal end 5240 of bronchoscope 4902 extends into an airway system toward an airway portion or axial region 5002, sometimes referred to as an axial segment. The scope camera 4903 is coupled to a video processor 5004 via a cable 4904. The image is processed and sent through a cable 5005 to a monitor 5006. Monitor 5006 shows on screen 5007 a portion of a delivery catheter image 5008 just ahead of the optical image capture element in the scope. In some embodiments, the scope may be constrained by a relatively large cross-section to advancement only to a “near” region of the lung adjacent the major airways. Hence, the optical image has a viewfield that extends only a limited distance along the airway system, and it will often be desirable to implant some, most, or all of the implant beyond a field of view 5242 of scope 4902.

Guidewire 5203 is threaded through bronchoscope 4902 and through the airway system to (and through) airway 5002. As described above, guidewire 5203 may optionally have a cross-section significantly smaller than that of the scope and/or the delivery catheter. Alternative embodiments may use a relatively large diameter guidewire. For example, rather than relying on a tapering dilator between the guidewire and the delivery catheter, the guidewire may instead be large enough to mostly or substantially fill the lumen of the delivery catheter, while still allowing sliding motion of the guidewire through the lumen. Suitable guidewires may have cross-section in a range from about 5 Fr to about 7 Fr, ideally being about 5½ Fr, while the delivery catheter may be between about 5 Fr and 9 Fr, ideally being about 7 Fr. A distal end 5209 of the guidewire 5203 may be angled as described above to facilitate steering. Still further variations are also possible, including delivery of the implant directly thru a working lumen of an endoscope (with use of a separate delivery catheter). In particular, where a cross-sectional size of a bronchoscope allows the scope to be advanced to a distal end of the target airway region, the bronchoscope itself may then be used as a delivery catheter, optionally without remote imaging.

A fluoroscopic system, an ultrasound imaging system, an MRI system, a computed tomography (CT) system, or some other remote imaging modality having a remote image capture device 5211 allows guidance of the guidewire so that the guidewire and/or delivery catheter 5201 can be advanced beyond the viewing field of bronchoscope 4902. In some embodiments, the guidewire may be advanced under remote image guidance without the use of a scope. Regardless, the guidewire can generally be advanced well beyond the near lung, with the distal end of the guidewire often being advanced to and/or through the mid-lung, optionally toward or to the small airways of the far lung. When a relatively large guidewire is used (typically being over 5 Fr., such as a 5½ Fr guidewire), the cross-section of the guidewire may limit advancement to a region of the airway having a lumen size appropriate for receiving the implants described above. The guidewire may have an atraumatic end, with exemplary embodiments having a guidewire structure which includes a corewire affixed to a surrounding coil with a resilient or low-column strength bumper extending from the coil, the bumper ideally formed by additional loops of the coil with separation between adjacent loops so as to allow the bumper to flex axially and inhibit tissue damage. A rounded surface or ball at the distal end of the bumper also inhibits tissue injury. A distal end 5244 of laterally flexible delivery catheter 5201 can then be advanced through the lumen within bronchoscope 4902 and over guidewire 5203 under guidance of the imaging system, ideally till the distal end of the delivery catheter is substantially aligned with the distal end of the guidewire.

The distal portion of guidewire 5203 is provided with indicia of length 5206, the indicia indicating distances along the guidewire from distal end 5209. The indicia may comprise scale numbers or simple scale markings, and distal end 5244 of catheter 5201 may have one or more corresponding high contrast markers, with the indicia of the guidewire and the marker of the catheter typically visible using the remote imaging system. Hence, remote imaging camera 5211 can identify, track or image indicia 5206 and thus provide the length of the guidewire portion extending between (and the relative position of) the distal end of the bronchoscope and the distal end 5209 of guidewire 5203. Indicia of length 5206 may, for example, comprise radiopaque or sonographic markers and the remote imaging modality may comprise, for example, an x-ray or fluoroscopic guidance system, a computed tomography (CT) system, an MRI system, or the like. Exemplary indicia comprise markers in the form of bands of high-contrast metal crimped at regular axial intervals to the corewire with the coil disposed over the bands, the metal typically comprising gold, platinum, tantalum, iridium, tungsten, and/or the like. Note that some of the indicia of the guidewire are schematically shown through the distal portion of the catheter in FIG. 37. Indicia of length 5206 thus facilitate using a guidance system to measure a length of airway 5002 or other portion of the airway system beyond the field of view of the scope, thereby allowing an implant of appropriate length to be selected.

Remote imaging modality 5221 is coupled to imaging processor 5224 via cable 5215. Imaging processor 5224 is coupled to a monitor 5226 which displays an image 5228 on screen 5227. Image 5228 shows the indicia of lengths 5205 and 5206 of delivery catheter 5201 and guidewire 5203, respectively. As described above, when a small-diameter guidewire is used a dilator 5217 may be advanced through the lumen of the catheter so that the distal end of the dilator extends from the distal end of delivery catheter 5201 when the catheter is being advanced. Dilator 5217 atraumatically expands openings of the airway system as delivery catheter 5201 advances distally. Dilator 5217 tapers radially outwardly proximal of the distal tip of guidewire 5203, facilitating advancement of the catheter distally to or through the mid-lung toward the far lung. Once the catheter has been advanced to the distal end of airway portion 5002 targeted for delivery (optionally being advanced over the guidewire to the distal end of the guidewire when a large diameter guidewire is used to identify a distal end of a target region for an implant, or as far as the cross-section of the catheter allows the catheter to be safely extended over a smaller diameter guidewire), the length of the airway (optionally between the distal end of the guidewire and the distal end of the bronchoscope) is measured. The dilator 5217 (if used) and guidewire 5203 are typically withdrawn proximally from deliver catheter 5201 so as to provide an open lumen of the delivery catheter from which a lung volume reduction device or implant can be deployed.

FIGS. 38A and 38B show an implant 5300 for treating airway 5002 of a lung. As described above, airway 5002 comprises a portion of a branching airway system, and the airway targeted for deployment will typically define an airway axis 5340. Implant 5300 comprises an elongate body 5301, a distal end 5303, and a proximal end 5305. Elongate body 5301 is biased to bend to a bent deployed configuration as described above and as shown in FIG. 38B. A pusher grasper device 5009 is coupled to the proximal end 5305 with a grasper coupler 5010 that is locked to implant 5300 using an actuation plunder 5012, handle 5011, and pull wire that runs through the central lumen in the pusher catheter. Prior to deployment, implant 5300 may be loaded into a tubular loading cartridge, for example, cartridge 3801, and advanced from the loading cartridge into the lumen of catheter 5301. Pusher grasper device 5009 can advance implant 5300 through delivery catheter 5201. As shown in FIG. 38A, when restrained within delivery catheter 5201, elongate body 5301 is maintained in a straightened configuration which defines a long axis between the distal end 5303 and proximal end 5305. As shown in FIG. 38B, when pusher grasper device 5009 axially restrains implant 5300 and catheter 5201 is pulled proximally from airway axial region 5002, implant 5300 resiliently returns to a bent deployed configuration to bend the airway 5002. More specifically, the airway axis 5340 goes from a relatively straight configuration to a highly bent configuration, with lateral movement of the elongate body and surrounding airway structure thereby compressing adjacent tissue. Once catheter 5201 has been withdrawn from over elongate body 5301, the deployment can be evaluated. The user may axially restrain the implant 5300 while catheter 5201 is advanced axially so as to recapture the implant if the deployment does not appear satisfactory, or the user may actuate plunger 5012 to release implant 5300. Implant 5300 may be loaded into a tubular loading cartridge, for example, cartridge 3801, and advanced from the loading cartridge into the lumen of catheter 5301.

FIG. 39 shows a plurality of implants including implant 5300A, 5300B, and 5300C. Each of these implants may have different sizes, lengths, and shapes from each other. When using delivery system 5200, guidewire 5203 may be advanced to a target region near the distal end of the airway system. Guidewire 5203 may be advanced distally until further distal advancement is limited by the distal end of the guidewire being sufficiently engaged by the surrounding lumen of the airway system. Delivery catheter 5201 can then be advanced so that a distal end of catheter 5201 is adjacent a distal end of the guidewire. The distance along the indicia of length 5205 from the bronchoscope to the distal end of guidewire 5203 may be used to select an implant having an elongate body 5301 with a desired length. The desired length may be lesser, greater or about the same as the distance between the distal end of delivery catheter 5201 and distal end of the bronchoscope as indicated by the indicia 5206. The elongate body 5301 having the selected length may be advanced and deployed into the lung via the airway system and using pusher grasper 5009 as described above. To provide a desirable implant shelf life and/or a desirable deployment force for compressing tissues using self-deploying elongate bodies (including those using resilient materials and/or using superelastic materials such as Nitinol™ or the like), it may be advantageous to store the various implants of various sizes in a relaxed state. Once the desired implant geometry or other characteristics have been identified, the selected implant 5300 may be loaded into a loading cartridge 5401 (and subsequently into the lumen of delivery catheter 5201) using pusher grasper device 5009. Pusher grasper device 5009 may be tensioned proximally and/or loading cartridge 5401 may be pushed distally so that elongate body 5301 straightens axially. The loading cartridge 5401 and implant 5300 can then be coupled to the other components of the delivery system, and the implant advanced into the airway as described above.

In exemplary embodiments, the pusher grasper 5009 moves distally while the catheter 5201 is retracted proximally from over the implant during deployment. The selected implant may have a length greater than the measured distance between the distal end of the guidewire (and hence the end of the delivery catheter) and the distal end of the scope. This can help accommodate recoil or movement of the ends of the implant toward each during delivery so as to avoid imposing excessive axial loads between the implant and tissue. Distal movement of the pusher grasper 5009 and proximal end of the implant during deployment also helps keep the proximal end of the implant within the field of view of the bronchoscope, and enhances the volume of tissue compressed by the implant. Exemplary implants may be more than 10% longer than the measured target airway axial region length, typically being from 10% to about 30% longer, and ideally being about 20% longer. Suitable implants may, for example, have total arc lengths of 125, 150, 175, and 200 mm.

Related U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/558,206 describes exemplary methods for treating a patient and evaluating the treatment, each of which may be used with aspects of the present invention. For example, the treatment method may comprise delivering an implant within the lung and then evaluating the patient's breathing thereafter to determine whether more implants are needed. Alternatively, a plurality of implants may be delivered within the patient's lungs before an evaluation. The patient's lungs may be evaluated by measuring a forced expiratory volume (FEV) of the patient, measuring/visualizing a change in tissue density at the implantation region, measuring/visualizing displacement of the diaphragm or of the lung fissures, etc.

In some embodiments, an implant is deployed in a straight configuration with the use of a catheter, e.g., catheter 5201, to contain it in a generally straight shape. Alternative embodiments may use the working lumen of the bronchoscope directly so that the bronchoscope is used as a delivery catheter. Upon removal of the constraining catheter, the implant recoils to a deployed shape that can be easily identified by the fact that the distance from one end to the second is reduced. The proximal end of the implant may be grasped, e.g., with pusher grasper device 5009, and held so that the distal end of the implant remains engaged against the desired airway tissue as the length of the implant is progressively unsheathed (by withdrawing the catheter proximally). High tensile forces might be generated between the distal portion of the implant and the airway tissue if the proximal end of the implant is held at a fixed location throughout deployment, as the implant is biased to recoil or bring the ends together when released. Hence, it can be advantageous to allow the proximal end of the implant to advance distally during release, rather than holding the implant from recoiling, as these forces may be deleterious. For example, the distance and tissue thickness between the distal end of the implant and the lung surface is short, there may be little strain relief on the tissue and the risk of rupture may be excessive. Additionally, the implant might otherwise tend to foreshortened after it is released by the grasper. When foreshortening occurs, the proximal end of the implant may travel distally beyond the viewing field of the bronchoscope and the user can have difficulty retrieving the implant reliably.

Thus, as schematically shown in FIGS. 40A-40C, an implant 5300 having a length longer than that of the target axial region 5505 may be selected to be deployed in some cases. As described above, a guidewire may be advanced distally from the bronchoscope until the guidewire advancement is inhibited by engagement with the surrounding airway, with the guidewire optionally being relatively large in cross-section (such having a size of between about 5 F and 7 F, ideally having a size of about 5½ F). This allows the guidewire to be advanced to (but not excessively beyond) a target site for the distal end of the implant (which may have an atraumatic ball surface with a diameter from about 1 to about 3 mm, ideally being about 1.5 mm). As shown in FIG. 40A, catheter 5201 is advanced distally from the distal end of bronchoscope 4902 over the guidewire until the distal end of catheter 5201 is aligned with the distal end of the guidewire or till the distal end of the catheter limits further distal advancement due to the distal end of catheter 5201 being similarly sufficiently engaged by the surrounding lumen of the airway system 5002. A length 5505 of the target axial region of the airway is measured. Length 5505 may be the distance between the distal end of the advanced catheter 5201 and the distal end of the bronchoscope 4902, and the guidewire can be withdrawn proximally after the measurement. An implant 5300 having a length greater than the measured length 5505 is selected and distally advanced through catheter 5201 using pusher grasper 5009 as previously described. Implants having a length of at least 10% more, preferably about 20% more, than the measured target axial region may be selected.

FIG. 40B shows the deployment of implant 5300. Implant 5300 is advanced through the lumen of catheter 5201 to adjacent its distal end and the catheter 5201, the distal end of the implant is (at least initially) held axially in place, and the catheter is withdrawn proximally from over a distal portion of the implant. As catheter 5201 is withdrawn, implant 5300 bends laterally and compresses a portion of airway 5002. As shown in FIG. 40B, a larger portion airway 5002 can be compressed by implant 5300 once catheter 5201 is fully withdrawn such that it no longer restrains implant 5300. As the catheter is progressively withdrawn, the proximal end of the implant moves distally relative to the surrounding bronchoscope and airway tissue. The proximal end of implant 5300 may also be released by pusher grasper 5009 after implant 5300 has foreshortened (when measured along the axial center of the airway) gradually throughout its release.

By using a longer implant 5300, the proximal end of implant 5300 can also be fed into the airway while the potential energy of the implant is being freed to apply work on the lung tissue (while the catheter is being pulled off of the implant). The lung airways can be distorted so the airway cross section is pushed to a more oval shape. Longer implants can tend to zigzag back and forth across the airway lumen so that implants that are significantly longer than the measured airway length can be introduced. For example, a 150 mm long (arc length) implant can be deployed into a 100 mm long airway. The greater length of the implant may minimize the uncontrolled recoil that may cause the proximal end to be lost in the patient upon release. Greater implant length can also allow the user to feed the implant into the patient while the catheter is removed without over stressing the lung tissue. Additionally, should foreshortening of the longer implant occur, the proximal end of the implant can still remain within the viewing field of the bronchoscope and the user can thus retain the ability to retrieve the implant reliably. It should be understood that the length of the implant relative to the diameter of the airway may be much greater than the schematic illustration of FIGS. 40A-40C, that the implant may have more complex three dimensional curvature to effect volumetric compression of the lung tissue, and the like.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the device can be manufactured and deployed such that it is deliverable through a bronchoscope. When actuated, the device can be adapted and configured to bend or curl which then distorts lung tissue with which the device comes in contact. Lung tissues that may be beneficially distorted by the device are airways, blood vessels, faces of tissue that have been dissected for introduction of the device or a combination of any of these. By compressing the lung tissue, the device can result in an increase in elastic recoil and tension in the lung in at least some cases. Additionally, in some instances, lung function can be at least partially restored regardless of the amount of collateral ventilation. Further, the diaphragm may, in some instances, move up once greater tension is created which enables the lung cavity to operate more effectively.

Devices according to the invention have a small cross-section, typically less than 10 F. The flexibility of the device prior to deployment facilitates advancement of the device through the tortuous lung anatomy. Once deployed, the device can remain rigid to hold and maintain a tissue deforming effect. Further, the device design facilitates recapture, de-activation and removal as well as adjustment in place.

Candidate materials for the devices and components described herein would be known by persons skilled in the art and include, for example, suitable biocompatible materials such as metals (e.g. stainless steel, shape memory alloys, such a nickel titanium alloy (nitinol), titanium, and cobalt) and engineering plastics (e.g. polycarbonate). See, for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,190,546 to Jervis for Medical Devices Incorporating SIM Memory Alloy Elements and U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,770 to Flomenblit for High Strength Medical Devices of Shape Memory Alloy. In some embodiments, other materials may be appropriate for some or all of the components, such as biocompatible polymers, including polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyarylamide, polyethylene, and polysulphone.

Polymers and metals used to make the implant and delivery system may be coated with materials to prevent the formation and growth of granular tissue, scar tissue and mucus. Many of the drugs used with stent products to arrest hyperplasia of smooth muscle cells in blood vessels after deploying metallic stents will work very well for these devices. Slow release drug eluting polymers or solvents may be used to regulate the release of drugs that include any substance capable of exerting a therapeutic or prophylactic effect for a patient. For example, the drug could be designed to inhibit the activity of smooth muscle cells. It can be directed at inhibiting abnormal or inappropriate migration and/or proliferation of smooth muscle cells to inhibit tissue mass buildup. The drug may include small molecule drugs, peptides or proteins. Examples of drugs include antiproliferative substances such as actinomycin D, or derivatives and analogs thereof (manufactured by Sigma-Aldrich of Milwaukee, Wis., or COSMEGEN available from Merck). Synonyms of actinomycin D include dactinomycin, actinomycin IV, actinomycin₁, actinomycin X₁, and actinomycin C₁. The active agent can also fall under the genus of antineoplastic, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, anticoagulant, antifibrin, antithrombin, antimitotic, antibiotic, antiallergic and antioxidant substances. Examples of such antineoplastics and/or antimitotics include paclitaxel (e.g. TAXOL® by Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. of Stamford, Conn.), docetaxel (e.g. Taxotere®, from Aventis S. A. of Frankfurt, Germany) methotrexate, azathioprine, vincristine, vinblastine, fluorouracil, doxorubicin hydrochloride (e.g. Adriamycin® from Pharmacia & Upjohn of Peapack N.J.), and mitomycin (e.g. Mutamycin® from Bristol-Myers Squibb). Examples of such antiplatelets, anticoagulants, antifibrin, and antithrombins include sodium heparin, low molecular weight heparins, heparinoids, hirudin, argatroban, forskolin, vapiprost, prostacyclin and prostacyclin analogues, dextran, D-phe-pro-arg-chloromethylketone (synthetic antithrombin), dipyridamole, glycoprotein Hh/IIIa platelet membrane receptor antagonist antibody, recombinant hirudin, and thrombin inhibitors such as Angiomax™ (Biogen, Inc. of Cambridge, Mass.). Examples of such cytostatic or antiproliferative agents include angiopeptin, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors such as captopril (e.g. Capoten® and Capozide® from Bristol-Myers Squibb), cilazapril or Hsinopril (e.g. Prinivil® and Prinzide® from Merck & Co., Inc. of Whitehouse Station, N.J.); calcium channel blockers (such as nifedipine), colchicine, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) antagonists, fish oil (omega 3-fatty acid), histamine antagonists, lovastatin (an inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, a cholesterol lowering drug, brand name Mevacor® from Merck & Co.), monoclonal antibodies (such as those specific for Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) receptors), nitroprusside, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, prostaglandin inhibitors, suramin, serotonin blockers, steroids, thioprotease inhibitors, triazolopyrimidine (a PDGF antagonist), and nitric oxide. An example of an antiallergic agent is permirolast potassium. Other therapeutic substances or agents which jtnay be appropriate include alpha-interferon, genetically engineered epithelial cells, tacrolimus, dexamethasone, and rapamycin and structural derivatives or functional analogs thereof, such as 40-O-(2-hydroxy)ethyl-rapamycin (known by the trade name of EVEROLIMUS available from Novartis of New York, N.Y.), 40-O-(3-hydroxyl)propyl-rapamycin, 40-O-[2-(2-hydroxyl)ethoxy]ethyl-rapamycin, and 40-O-tetrazole-rapamycin.

Other polymers that may be suitable for use in some embodiments, for example other grades of PEEK, such as 30% glass-filled or 30% carbon filled, provided such materials are cleared for use in implantable devices by the FDA, or other regulatory body. The use of glass filled PEEK would be desirable where there was a need to reduce the expansion rate and increase the flexural modulus of PEEK for the instrument Glass-filled PEEK is known to be ideal for improved strength, stiffness, or stability while carbon filled PEEK is known to enhance the compressive strength and stiffness of PEEK and lower its expansion rate. Still other suitable biocompatible thermoplastic or thermoplastic polycondensate materials may be suitable, including materials that have good memory, are flexible, and/or deflectable have very low moisture absorption, and good wear and/or abrasion resistance, can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. These include polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyetherketone (PEK), polyetherketoneetherketoneketone (PEKEKK), and polyetheretherketoneketone (PEEKK), and generally a polyaryletheretherketone. Further other polyketones can be used as well as other thermoplastics. Reference to appropriate polymers that can be used in the tools or tool components can be made to the following documents, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. These documents include: PCT Publication WO 02/02158 A1, to Victrex Manufacturing Ltd. entitled Bio-Compatible Polymeric Materials; PCT Publication WO 02/00275 A1, to Victrex Manufacturing Ltd. entitled Bio-Compatible Polymeric Materials; and PCT Publication WO 02/00270 A1, to Victrex Manufacturing Ltd. entitled Bio-Compatible Polymeric Materials. Still other materials such as Bionate®, polycarbonate urethane, available from the Polymer Technology Group, Berkeley, Calif., may also be appropriate because of the good oxidative stability, biocompatibility, mechanical strength and abrasion resistance. Other thermoplastic materials and other high molecular weight polymers can be used as well for portions of the instrument that are desired to be radiolucent.

Any implant described herein can be made of a metallic material or an alloy such as, but not limited to, cobalt-chromium alloys (e.g., ELGILOY), stainless steel (316L), “MP3SN,” “MP2ON,” ELASTINITE (Nitinol), tantalum, tantalum-based alloys, nickel-titanium alloy, platinum, platinum-based alloys such as, e.g., platinum-iridium alloy, iridium, gold, magnesium, titanium, titanium-based alloys, zirconium-based alloys, or combinations thereof. Devices made from bioabsorbable or biostable polymers can also be used with the embodiments of the present invention. “MP35N” and “MP2ON” are trade names for alloys of cobalt, nickel, chromium and molybdenum available from Standard Press Steel Co. of Tenkintown, Pa. “MP35N” consists of 35% cobalt, 35% nickel, 20% chromium, and 10% molybdenum. “MP2ON” consists of 50% cobalt, 20% nickel, 20% chromium, and 10% molybdenum.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims presented will define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for treating a genetically associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, comprising: advancing at least one implant into an airway of a lung of a patient having alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency; and delivering the at least one implant into the lung to increase tension of the lung and thereby improve breathing function of the lung.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the genetically associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease causes uniformly diseased alveolus tissue distributed throughout at least one lower lobe the lung, and wherein the advancing and the delivering of the at least one implant are performed so that the at least one implant locally compresses an associated at least one region of the uniformly diseased tissue.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the genetically associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease causes uniformly diseased alveolus distributed throughout a lower lobe of the lung, and wherein the advancing and the delivering of the at least one implant are performed so that the at least one implant locally compresses a region of another lobe of the lung outside the uniformly diseased tissue.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining the patient has a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, wherein a plurality of alternative therapies are available for treatment of a plurality of alternative types of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; identifying that the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease of the patient comprises alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency from among a plurality of alternative chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases; and selecting a treatment using the at least one implant from among the plurality of alternative therapies in response to the determination that the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease of the patient comprises alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein improving breathing function comprises reduced air-trapping within the alveolus.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one implant comprises a coil-shaped implant that folds at least one airway of the lung to increase tension.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one implant comprises a plurality of implants.
 8. A method for treating a genetically associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, comprising: advancing at least one implant into an airway of a lung having uniformly distributed diseased alveolus within the lung; and compressing a portion of the uniformly distributed diseased alveolus using the at least one implant to cause improved breathing function of the lung.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the uniformly diseased alveolus is caused by alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein compressing the uniformly diseased alveolus comprises positioning the at least one implant within the lung to increase tension at at least one lobe of the lung.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one implant comprises a coil-shaped implant that folds at least one airway of at least one lobe of the lung to increase tension.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one implant comprises a plurality of implants.
 13. A method for treating a genetically associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, comprising: implanting at least one implant into a lung having alveolar damage caused by alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency to increase tension of the lung and thereby improve breathing function of the lung; and provide at least one augmentation therapy to boost circulating alpha-1 antitrypsin plasma levels within the lung and thereby slow or halt progression of the alveolar damage to the lung.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein at least one implant comprises a plurality of implants.
 15. A method for treating a genetically associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, comprising: advancing at least one implant into an airway of a lung having intact and uniformly diseased alveolus within at least one lower lobe of the lung, the lung having non-diseased alveolus within upper lobes of the lung; and compressing the intact and uniformly diseased alveolus within the at least one lower lobe of the lung using the at least one implant to cause improved breathing function of the lung. 